Hydrogen goes nuclear

In a slightly puzzled note about fuel cells, we suggested that one way to make hydrogen, a possible energy carrier for fuel cells, would be with nuclear power. This isn't exactly a novel idea that we have cooked up.

 

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the OECD has taken to holding biennial meetings to review the state of play. The NEA has just published the proceedings of the third such meeting, held in Japan last October.

 

In his address at the start of the meeting, Thierry Dujardin, Deputy Director of the NEA, talked about an earlier policy debate on the subject at which "it was stressed that the nuclear sector should participate actively in the discussions on a hydrogen economy, and that international co-operation is essential to ensure the development of nuclear systems for efficient hydrogen production".

 

The report also includes background information on the status of nuclear hydrogen research and development efforts around the globe.