Nuclear power hydrogen energy storage

How do nuclear power plants choose hydrogen technologies?

The selection of hydrogen technologies (to be coupled to nuclear power reactors) greatly depends on the type of the nuclear power plant itself. Some hydrogen production technologies, such as conventional electrolysis, require only electric power.

Can nuclear power plants reduce the cost of hydrogen production?

But, around 95% of the hydrogen currently produced in the United States comes from natural gas—resulting in carbon emissions. That’s why the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing billions to help lower the cost and scale up the production of clean hydrogen by leveraging the nation’s existing energy assets, including nuclear power plants.

Can nuclear power produce clean hydrogen?

The facility is the first-of-its-kind in the United States to generate clean hydrogen using nuclear power. This nuclear milestone is part of a $14.5 million cost shared project between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Constellation to demonstrate how nuclear power plants can help lower the cost and scale-up the production of clean hydrogen.

Should nuclear energy be used as a key hydrogen production source?

To support the use of nuclear energy as a key hydrogen production source, projects and programs enabling nuclear hydrogen production should be included in these and other burgeoning international cooperation efforts.

How does the type of nuclear power plant affect hydrogen technology?

The type of nuclear power plant itself has a significant impact on the choice of hydrogen technologies that will be connected to nuclear power reactors. Some methods of producing hydrogen need electricity, such as traditional electrolysis.

Will Doe and Ne support hydrogen demonstration projects at nuclear power plants?

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) have already started teaming up with utilities to support three hydrogen demonstration projects at nuclear power plants. The three projects include: Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station (Oswego, NY)