Leveraging nuclear research to support hydrogen economy

Abstract

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), a leading integrated nuclear services company and developer of CANDU® reactors, is proactively leveraging its nuclear technology base to support the emerging hydrogen economy. In particular, the heavy water technologies and hydrogen safety expertise developed as part of the CANDU® technology development are being exploited to advance the hydrogen economy. The catalysts developed for hydrogen isotopes separation, for production and processing of heavy water, are equally relevant for the proton exchange membrane type fuel cells. Similarly, the catalytic devices developed for hydrogen mitigation in the nuclear reactors could be useful for safety applications for indoor hydrogen facilities. The new-generation, cost-effective heavy water processes developed by AECL are synergistic with hydrogen production by conventional means-steam-methane reforming and water electrolysis. Consequently, AECL's knowledge base has led to innovative ideas for 'greener' hydrogen production. Recently, AECL is engaged in international collaborations to develop novel technologies for hydrogen production by 'water-splitting'-thermochemical cycles integrated with high-temperature nuclear reactors that are under development as Generation IV systems.