(393d) Innovative Nuclear Process Heat Applications for near-Term Hydrogen Production

The commercialization of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (HTGR) within the next decade opens up many nuclear process heat applications that may become attractive with escalating gas prices and with the introduction of CO2 reduction initiatives. Substitution of a high temperature nuclear heat delivery system for natural gas may become economical in the next decade, subject to technology development related to advanced heat exchanger and reformer designs. Advanced membrane systems have entered the market that allow selective removal of hydrogen from syngas produced by steam methane reforming. This can improve the hydrogen recovery as well as the energy efficiency of the SMR unit while allowing lower reformer outlet temperatures. Based on a technology development program that is being implemented, commercial application of these plants may be possible for operation in mid- to late 2010's. This paper describes the application of these innovations in nuclear hydrogen plant design, identifies plans for key technology development and demonstration steps, addresses nuclear regulatory issues that must be resolved to support commercial application, and discusses the projected application and economics of this technology.