Publications

Nuclear Hydrogen Using High-Temperature Electrolysis and

Light-Water Reactors for Peak Electricity Production

Charles W. Forsberg and Mujid S. Kazimi

MIT-NES-TR-010 (April 2009)

Abstract. In a carbon-dioxide constrained world, the primary methods to produce electricity (nuclear, solar, wind, and fossil fuels with carbon sequestration) have low operating costs and high capital costs. To minimize the cost of electricity, these plants must operate at maximum capacity; however, the electrical outputs do not match changing electricity demands with time. A system to produce intermediate and peak electricity is described that uses light-water reactors (LWRs) and high-temperature electrolysis. At times of low electricity demand the LWR provides steam and electricity to a high-temperature steam electrolysis system to produce hydrogen and oxygen that are stored. At times of high electricity demand, the reactor produces electricity for the electrical grid. Additional peak electricity is produced by combining the hydrogen and oxygen by operating the high-temperature electrolysis units in reverse as fuel cells or using an oxy-hydrogen steam cycle. The storage and use of hydrogen and oxygen for intermediate and peak power production reduces the capital cost, increases the efficiency of the peak power production systems, and enables nuclear energy to be used to meet daily, weekly, and seasonal changes in electrical demand. The economic viability is based on the higher electricity prices paid for peak-load electricity. Significant development work is required before the technologies will be commercially deployable.

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