Japan eyes hydrogen production using next-gen nuclear reactor

The Japanese government is set to commence field trials for clean hydrogen production utilizing nuclear power as early as 2028, according to sources from Nikkei. This decision follows a recent successful safety evaluation of a next-generation reactor conducted by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) on March 28 at the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) in Ibaraki prefecture. The trial, conducted in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, marked a significant milestone toward practical application. Even when operating at full capacity around 850°C, the HTTR demonstrated the ability to naturally cool down and shut down without the need for control rods, underscoring its high level of safety during potential accidents.

The HTTR, a type of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, generates lower power output compared to conventional reactors but is considered safer. The Japanese government intends to utilize the heat generated by the HTTR for hydrogen production.

Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster in 2011, nuclear power development experienced a global slowdown. However, with the adoption of the Paris climate agreement in 2015, many countries, including Japan, have refocused efforts on nuclear power research and development to complement renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as crucial for reducing industrial emissions across various sectors such as power, aviation, marine shipping, and steel production. Nuclear energy's zero greenhouse gas emissions make it an attractive option for hydrogen production, aligning with global efforts to achieve nearly zero-emission processes. The JAEA aims to seek approval from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority this year to initiate screenings for connecting hydrogen production equipment to a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. If successful, field testing for nuclear hydrogen production is slated to commence in 2028. The Japanese government has set ambitious targets to expand annual hydrogen supply sixfold to approximately 12 million tonnes by 2040.

Despite government initiatives and technological advancements, skepticism toward nuclear power persists in Japan, particularly in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster. The issue of nuclear waste disposal also remains unresolved. Japan's past experiences with successful field testing of advanced nuclear technology that failed to achieve commercial viability raise questions about the private sector's willingness to invest in nuclear hydrogen production.