NUCLEAR HYDROGEN | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT


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The IAEA concludes that the optimal ratio of solar to nuclear depends on solar irradiation and panel efficiency Source: Lumify Energy


coupling a nuclear reactor and thermochemical hydrogen generation (ie an electrolysis system) is an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX). In addition to providing heat to the chemical plant, the IHX acts as both an interface and an isolation device between the thermochemical plant and the


nuclear reactor. The Purdue reports states that it: ● Isolates the chemical plant from the nuclear plant ● Excludes or limits radioactive contamination ● Prevents corrosive chemical reactants entering the nuclear facility


● Allows for conventional design and maintenance of the heat utilisation system.


In the event a nuclear plant is coupled with an electrolysis facility, understanding the electrolysis plant’s response to a transient event is essential to maintain nuclear safety. In a reactor a partial loss-of-coolant accident is one of the most significant transients and could result in a severe accident. A quick shift in flow rate is a significant deviation in such a transient. Periodically, an emergency introduction of negative reactivity would be required to halt an uncontrollable nuclear reaction. The temperature of the reactor coolant’s outflow would then swiftly decrease because of the reactivity reduction. In such a situation, it would be crucial to comprehend how chemical plant reaction rates and hydrogen production rates would interact under such circumstances. Integrating hydrogen production facilities with existing


nuclear plants thus requires careful planning, design and implementation to ensure that the process is safe, efficient and economically viable. The steps and considerations for the integration of hydrogen production with existing and future nuclear plants are:


Site analysis: ● Evaluate the available space and infrastructure at the nuclear plant site to accommodate hydrogen production facilities


● Assess the availability of water, which is the primary feedstock for hydrogen production through electrolysis


● Evaluate the existing and needed infrastructure to support hydrogen production and generation


Feasibility study: ● Conduct technical and economic feasibility studies to


determine the optimal method for hydrogen production to be coupled with a specific nuclear plant


● Analyse the electrical and thermal output profiles of the nuclear unit to optimize hydrogen production during periods of low electricity demand


Carry out a safety and risk assessment: ● Perform a thorough safety assessment to analyse the


risks associated with integrating hydrogen production, considering hydrogen’s flammability and explosion potential


● Ensure that the integration complies with nuclear safety regulations and does not compromise the integrity of the nuclear plant


● Prepare the documentation for regulatory reviews and obtain necessary licences and permits during the design and engineering phase


Public and stakeholder engagement: ● Engage with local communities, stakeholders, and


regulatory bodies to explain the benefits and safety measures of the integrated system


● Address any concerns and provide transparency throughout the process


Performance analysis: ● Continuously evaluate the performance of the


hydrogen production facility to ensure it meets design specifications and production targets


● Analyse the operational data to identify areas for improving in efficiency cost-effectiveness


● Use real-world data to refine models and predictions related to maintenance, production optimisation and safety


● Consider implementing upgrades that could enhance performance or reduce costs;


● Evaluate the benefits and risks of increasing production capacity, including the potential impact on the nuclear plant and the local grid


End-of-life planning: ● Incorporate end-of-life planning for the hydrogen


production facilities as part of the overall lifecycle management of the nuclear power plant


● Develop effective strategies for decommissioning the hydrogen infrastructure safely when it reaches its end of service life


As this field evolves, the successful integration of nuclear and hydrogen production will depend on careful planning, stakeholder engagement, compliance with regulatory standards and a forward-looking approach that embraces innovation and sustainability. Producing hydrogen at a competitive price must take


into account the overall costs at power-system level as well as the costs of hydrogen distribution, transport and storage.


www.neimagazine.com | February 2025 | 47


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