Why nuclear energy can help deliver a green hydrogen economy

Source: · POWER ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL · | August 31, 2021

Nuclear power plants “have a critical role in producing low-carbon hydrogen” according to a former shadow energy minister in the UK.

Source: PEI

Tom Greatrex said that reactors, whether “large, small, current and advanced”, would be vital if Britain wants to achieve the ambitions set out in its recent Hydrogen Strategy.

Greatrex, who is chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said nuclear “is the only source of energy that can produce clean power and clean heat, making it a vital component as we decarbonise sectors beyond electricity”.

“Whether labelled as ‘green’ or ‘low carbon’, it’s only hydrogen from zero emissions sources like nuclear and renewables that can make a meaningful long-term impact on decarbonisation.”

But he warned that if nuclear was to achieve its potential in helping to deliver “a strong low-carbon hydrogen mix”, the government “must now swiftly implement a new financing model for nuclear to cut costs”.

Landmark anniversary
Last week marked 65 years since the UK connected the first commercial nuclear power station in the world, Calder Hall, to the national grid.