Cost Analysis and Optimization of a Nuclear Assisted Electrolytic Hydrogen Production and Distribution Network in India

Abstract

Hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis and its distribution via gas pipelines using nuclear electricity as the energy source is a possible scheme that may help facilitate the adoption and implementation of hydrogen energy systems on a large scale. This work provides a techno-economic assessment of a water cooled nuclear reactor based electrolytic hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure in a developing nation like India. The optimal conditions for electrolysis at the power reactor site are first assessed using levelised hydrogen production cost as the objective function. A hypothetical demand network for the hydrogen thus produced is then envisaged, followed by mathematical determination of optimal design and operating conditions for the network using levelised cost of hydrogen transport as the basis for optimization studies. The investment required to set up the necessary nuclear and hydrogen gas distribution systems in order to replace a typical centralized steam methane reformer producing hydrogen for commercial purposes has also been assessed. It is observed that the total dispensed cost of hydrogen in this nuclear electricity based system (excluding nuclear reactor cost) is in the range of $ 4.88-5.29/kg H2, which approaches the long term hydrogen price target set by the US Department of Energy.