Considerations and Optimization of Hydrogen Production using Small Modular Reactors and Renewable energy sources

Abstract

Hydrogen is projected today to become the key fuel- and energy-source for the imminent energy transition to a low- to net-zero carbon society. Although a strong debate persists, there is consensus on the urgency to reduce to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to massively mitigate the negative impacts of global climate change. The production of hydrogen – as fuel and as stored energy, generated via electrolysis and/or high-temperature thermal-chemical processes, from various energy sources, including existing fossil-fuelled plants, nuclear energy (small modular reactors, SMRs) and renewable sources, is attracting more and more attention. In this work a systems engineering perspective is considered via modeling and simulations, of a nuclear plant linked to a concentrated solar power plant to produce both electricity and hydrogen. For industry practicality, the merits of technology readiness level per production method have been considered. Scenarios, under which optimization will be needed, have been studied and analyzed. Rudiments of complexity are also described; characterized as multi-objectives and consisting of many variables and parameters.