Constellation progress with the US first nuclear-powered hydrogen plant
Constellation also working on developing hydrogen production and distribution hubs.
The US Department of Energy (DOE), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) joined Constellation at Nine Mile Point to celebrate progress on the nation’s first nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility that will begin production by the end of the year.
Last year, DOE approved moving forward with the construction and installation of an electrolyzer system at Nine Mile Point, to separate hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water as part of a $5.8 million award from DOE.
In addition, NYSERDA recently announced $12.5 million in funding to help demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell technology at Nine Mile Point to provide long-duration energy storage for the electric grid. Hydrogen fuel cells can produce electricity with only water vapor as a byproduct, making them a clean source of reliable backup energy to power the grid. The hydrogen fuel cell project at Nine Mile Point is currently being designed and is expected to be operational in 2025.
The clean hydrogen production and storage projects underway at Nine Mile Point will demonstrate the viability of hydrogen electrolyzer and fuel cell technologies, setting the stage for possible deployment at other clean energy centres in Constellation’s fleet.
Constellation is currently working with public and private entities representing every phase in the hydrogen value chain to pursue the development of regional hydrogen production and distribution hubs.
Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation, said, “We are eager to help develop the technology and infrastructure needed to build a clean hydrogen economy, create jobs and secure our domestic energy security.”
Alice Caponiti, deputy assistant secretary, Nuclear Energy Office, DOE, said, “Nuclear power will evolve to support both firm and flexible capacity and it will play an important role in developing clean hydrogen affordably and at scale.”
Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “NYSERDA is proud to partner with Constellation to demonstrate how this project can help reduce emissions and improve air quality for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
Steve Szymanski, VP at Nel Hydrogen, said, “Clean hydrogen is an emerging industry that will create a lot of jobs and help us lower emissions in industries that produce up to a quarter of global carbon emissions, making it an essential resource in the fight against climate change.”
