WATER SCARCITY, GREEN ECONOMY TRANSITION, AND GREEN HYDROGEN PROSPECTS IN CENTRAL ASIA: A WATER– ENERGY NEXUS ASSESSMENT

This article examines green hydrogen development in Central Asia through a structured water–energy nexus review, focusing on Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Peer-reviewed research, FAO AQUASTAT indicators and policy documents inform a screening framework covering water sources, renewable-electricity additionality, system efficiency, transboundary exposure and institutional readiness. The study does not provide a new hydrological forecast or project-level feasibility estimate. The review distinguishes renewable-energy potential from sustainable hydrogen potential. Electrolysis requires purified water, while treatment, cooling and infrastructure add indirect water demand. Projects in stressed basins must avoid competition with drinking water and irrigation and account for life-cycle water use. Treated wastewater, brackish water and desalination may reduce freshwater pressure but involve energy, cost and environmental trade-offs. A staged governance approach combines basin-level assessment, disclosed water balances and cross-sector coordination. Hydrogen is therefore a conditional opportunity for diversification and decarbonization.

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