Technical and strategic nuclear consultancy, Equilibrion, has been appointed by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Wales & West Utilities (WWU), supported by the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), to deliver innovative research on how nuclear-enabled H₂ could contribute to innovative solutions to the UK’s Net Zero energy challenge.

Covering the full nuclear-to-energy end-user value chain, Equilibrion’s expertise will explore how deployment of nuclear-enabled H₂ production could support the repurposing of the UK’s existing extensive gas network for low-carbon H₂.

H₂ is currently being considered as a greener alternative to natural gas for industrial, domestic and transport customers. Nuclear-enabled H₂ is recognized by the UK’s Low-Carbon H₂ Standard and uses the heat and electricity from nuclear reactors to generate H₂. Previous studies show that nuclear-enabled _H2 can reduce cost for consumers, as well as providing resilience in production.

The SHyNE project will develop a deployment roadmap for capacity introduction to meet user demand, looking at estimated production rates, a geographical analysis that considers potential nuclear new-build sites in the context of existing infrastructure, customer demand centers and a techno-economic analysis.

Advancements in nuclear technology, particularly with small modular reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) offer flexibility and scalable deployment options that support a robust and resilient clean energy strategy. SHyNE will build on these developments by assessing how improved siting flexibility and financing methods for reactors can accelerate nuclear deployment to support an energy transition and reduce costs for consumers.

The project will also assess how a nuclear power station, twinned with electrolytic H₂ production, can provide flexible electricity output to help balance the grid. The SHyNE project will lead the way in demonstrating the potential opportunities for nuclear energy to help meet the UK’s 2050 net zero commitments.

Realizing these opportunities is expected to attract major inward investment, creating jobs and driving social, economic and industrial benefits for communities. Adopting nuclear-enabled H₂ complements the UK Government’s plans, with Labor expressing its intent to deliver nuclear-electricity production and being set to publish its new nuclear siting policy offering more opportunities for nuclear sites across the UK from 2025 onwards.

Allan Simpson, Chief Technologist at Equilibrion, articulates the significant step forward of wider UK nuclear energy deployment, “Nuclear-enabled H₂ represents a powerful, yet largely untapped, opportunity to drive the UK’s journey to Net Zero at a significant scale and for the first time both the nuclear and H₂ sectors can fully appreciate how working together can be a game-changer to the availability of low-cost electrolytic H₂ and expand opportunities for organizations in both sectors” 

“We are committed to enhancing the opportunities for collaboration between the H₂ and nuclear sectors for mutual benefit and are delighted to be appointed by Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities to advance the role of nuclear energy in delivering scalable, low-carbon H₂ through the existing gas infrastructure. This project supports the foundation for a sustainable energy transition, bringing clean energy and substantial socio-economic benefits to communities across the UK.”

Commenting on the project on behalf of WWU, Matthew Hindle, WWU’s Head of Net Zero & Sustainability said, “We know that low carbon H₂ needs to play an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition – including blending into existing natural gas supplies, or in its pure form for industry, transport, electricity generation and homes. To reliably produce sufficient H₂ to meet these demands, it will be vital to diversify production methods and increase the levels of firm capacity needed for predictable supply. 

“We’re excited to work with Equilibrion and NGN to better understand how nuclear-enabled H₂ can support gas customers through the energy transition, by providing reliable, scalable low-carbon H₂ for supply into the UK gas networks. SHyNE can support the reuse and adaptation of existing infrastructure to reduce costs, while accelerating the energy transition and enhancing energy security.”

NGN Innovation Manager Lewis Kirkwood highlights the importance of projects like SHyNE in supporting the UK’s energy transition, “H₂ can be a key enabler of accelerated decarbonization for industry, transport and heat, and as an energy network it’s critical we understand all the angles for H₂ production and what’s required to ready our infrastructure.

Network Innovation Allowance projects such as this are essential to unlocking the potential for H₂ investment, to support the UK’s decarbonization strategy and diversify its energy portfolio, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and shore up energy security.”