DOE fundings for nuclear-coupled hydrogen production

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking applications for “Nuclear Coupled Hydrogen Production and Use projects.”

The DOE, Idaho Operations Office, issued this amendment to the US Industry Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Funding Opportunity Announcement. In addition to announcing this new area of interest, this amendment also extends the application due date from 14th September 2022 to 11th October 11 2022.

This just-announced amendment to a funding opportunity aims to support the development of nuclear plant thermal integration required for high-temperature hydrogen production, or hydrogen-coupled end uses for nuclear energy.

This amendment was issued by the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Light Water Sustainability Program in coordination with DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office.

It is anticipated that selected awardees could design and develop the heat-extraction infrastructure needed for a nuclear and hydrogen industrial energy park or develop hydrogen-coupled end uses for nuclear-produced hydrogen.

These first-of-a-kind activities may support and lead to an eventual demonstration of thermal energy extraction, distribution, and control at thermal power levels of 20 to 300 megawatts thermal. Demonstration activities would also be expected to engage local communities and support DOE’s environmental and energy justice priorities, including providing benefits to disadvantaged communities.