Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors to Contribute to Produce Low-Carbon Hydrogen

A joint feasibility study (FS) developed by the Rolls-Royce Company and the Sumitomo International Business and Investment Corporation shows that the Rolls-Royce small modular reactors could provide a significant advantage over other energy sources in low-carbon hydrogen production.

The nuclear power plant based on the Rolls-Royce small modular reactors will produce 470 MW of low-carbon electricity, but its compact size and flexible modular design allow its placement along with energy-intensive industrial facilities, in particular for hydrogen production. The solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) technology allows using the thermal power of the power plant to improve total efficiency of the hydrogen production cycle.

Earlier this year, the Rolls-Royce small modular reactor design successfully passed the second stage of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) by independent UK regulators, the UK Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Environment Agency.

Sumitomo Corporation will use the feasibility study to further work at the site and develop the potential of the Rolls-Royce small modular reactors along with hydrogen production facilities in the UK.