FuelCell Energy’s solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) system has begun testing and validation at the US Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in the US.
The US-based firm wants to demonstrate 100% efficiency and leverage nuclear heat to reduce hydrogen costs by up to 30%, reportedly.
FuelCell Energy has said it will be the largest electrolyser studied at INL. It is expected to produce 150kg of hydrogen per day from 250kW of nuclear energy-generated electricity.
They will analyse how nuclear-hydrogen integration can be achieved, with nuclear plants switching between power generation and hydrogen production.
The testing phase will also evaluate the potential of advanced small modular reactor designs, from 200 to 500MW, paired with FuelCell Energy’s SOEC utility-scale electrolysers.
“Pairing FuelCell Energy’s electrolyser with nuclear plants is an excellent example of the ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy that is necessary to meet the needs of a strained electric infrastructure,” explained Jason Few, FuelCell Energy President and CEO.
“Nuclear energy is a baseload power source that when paired with FuelCell Energy’s electrolyser can ensure that every kilowatt of power is converted into a usable or stored energy resource. FuelCell Energy’s electrolysis platform can enable 100% smart energy utilisation.”
The CEO added that any energy innovation that drives down costs, emissions and leverages all the above energy sources is “smart energy and a win-win.”
This development comes as the US Treasury has moved to relax the rules surrounding the 45V hydrogen tax credit, providing a clearer pathway for nuclear-powered hydrogen production.
Read more: US Treasury relaxes 45V hydrogen tax credit rules and opens nuclear pathway
This means nuclear power plants can now more feasibly integrate electrolysis systems like FuelCell Energy’s SOEC to produce clean hydrogen while maintaining stable grid operations.
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