First Hydrogen Corp is exploring the integration of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) into its Hydrogen-as-a-Service platform.
The aim is to install the modules in areas with little or no grid power to produce hydrogen for refuelling stations. H2 View understands that the technology could provide hydrogen production at $36/MWh.
However, the project is still exploratory, and the Canadian firm has not announced a full timeline. Additionally, the initiative is expected to require capital investment for the installation of SMR infrastructure.
“Nuclear energy provides a consistent power source for the production of hydrogen unlike solar and wind power,” explained Balraj Mann, CEO at First Hydrogen Corp.
“The cost of electricity from SMR would be about $36/MWh. Large tech companies have seen the need to secure low-cost energy for the foreseeable future and, recently, have made significant investments in nuclear energy.”
Supporting this trend, a study conducted by Topsoe, Rolls-Royce SMR, ULR-Energy and KYOS found that solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) powered by SMRs could produce hydrogen at less than €3.5/kg ($3.8/kg).
H2 View understands that an SMR-SOEC combination could offer a way to deliver “the highest” annual quantity of hydrogen due to higher efficiency.
Last March, First Hydrogen’s automotive division completed a one-month trial of its hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles with Wales & West Utilities (WWU). The trial saw the vehicle complete more than 1,200 miles of four weeks.
