Sourcing Renewables  -  October 19, 2021

DOE Funds Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production

The Department of Energy began finalizing an agreement Oct. 19 for the development of a zero-carbon hydrogen production demonstration project at a nuclear power station in Ohio.

Energy Harbor, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Xcel Energy and Arizona Public Service will partner with the DOE on the project, which will demonstrate the feasibility and viability for large-scale commercialization of a hybrid hydrogen production system. The DOE selected the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station for its location close to a water supply for hydrogen production and its proximity to key hydrogen consumers in manufacturing and transportation.

The demonstration will involve the power station providing nuclear power to a hydrogen production unit using Low Temperature Electrolysis (LTE) and Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) technology, a process that produces 100% carbon-free hydrogen. 

“We are committed to working alongside the DOE and INL to demonstrate nuclear's ability to provide clean, carbon-free hydrogen to the manufacturing and transportation sectors," David Hamilton, Energy Harbor's executive vice president and chief nuclear officer,  said in a statement. "Zero-carbon hydrogen is an important component of the energy transition currently underway.”

The nuclear hydrogen production system is expected to begin operating in 2023.

Share this valuable information with your colleagues using the buttons below: