Nel and Samsung Unite for Nuclear-Powered Pink Hydrogen Project
Industry newsThe project will establish a demonstration plant that converts surplus nuclear energy into hydrogen. This approach addresses inefficiencies in nuclear energy use and supports South Korea’s goal of transitioning to a low-carbon hydrogen economy. The broader implications extend to other nations seeking sustainable energy options, as the project could act as a template for similar ventures globally.transitioning to a low-carbon hydrogen economy
At the heart of this project lies Nel’s advanced alkaline electrolyser technology, a proven method for large-scale hydrogen production. Electrolysers separate water into hydrogen and oxygen through an electrochemical process driven by electricity. Alkaline electrolysers, in particular, are valued for their reliability, scalability, and cost efficiency in industrial applications.
Nel’s systems stand out for their high performance and cutting-edge manufacturing, primarily carried out at the company’s Herøya facility in Norway. This site ensures consistent quality for a variety of hydrogen projects—whether powered by solar, wind, or, in this case, nuclear energy. The equipment Nel is set to deliver to Samsung includes stacks of alkaline electrolyser units that form the backbone of the hydrogen generation procedure. These systems are essential for capturing energy that might otherwise be wasted during off-peak hours at nuclear plants, allowing it to be converted into a storable, highly versatile energy form.
Samsung’s confidence in Nel’s track record underscores the importance of these technologies. Byung Soo Lee, head of Samsung C&T’s Energy Solution Business Unit, stated, “This is the very first hydrogen production project using nuclear power in Korea, and we needed to have the most reliable electrolysis technology for executing the project. There is no doubt that Nel’s technology can meet our expectations.”
This collaboration is one among many significant milestones for Nel in 2024. Earlier in the year, Nel inaugurated a new PEM electrolyser manufacturing facility in Wallingford, Connecticut, to bolster its presence in the growing U.S. hydrogen market. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers differ from alkaline technology in their compact design and adaptability to intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This expansion reflects Nel’s strategy to support rising hydrogen demand globally and enhance production capacity in critical markets.
Further cementing its industry position, Nel also received a EUR 135 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund. The funding will accelerate the industrialization of its next-generation pressurized alkaline electrolyser technology at its Norway facility. This next-gen solution promises to improve energy efficiency, lower production costs, and scale up capacity, all while maintaining the environmental benefits of green hydrogen.
Both of these developments reveal Nel’s multifaceted approach to advancing hydrogen systems. Rather than relying on one type of technology, Nel is investing in innovations across the sector to address varying market needs, from renewable-powered PEM systems to highly efficient alkaline electrolysers.
The partnership between Nel and Samsung C&T is indicative of a trending shift in energy strategies worldwide. By turning excess nuclear energy into a valuable resource, the project addresses two key challenges—energy efficiency and grid stability. The technology involved highlights how hydrogen can bridge gaps in power systems, ensuring that no form of energy, even during surplus production, goes to waste.
On a broader scale, initiatives like these show how technology can be adapted to regional energy landscapes. Countries looking to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels could integrate existing infrastructure—such as nuclear or renewable energy—into hydrogen production. For example, nations with established nuclear power capabilities might replicate this model to decarbonize industries where electrification remains impractical, such as long-haul transport or heavy manufacturing.
While the pink hydrogen project is still in its demonstration phase, it underscores hydrogen’s adaptability as a clean energy carrier. For present-day applications, these technologies can already support local energy storage needs or power hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Over time, as costs fall and projects scale up, hydrogen has the potential to reshape energy systems worldwide.
Through their combined expertise, Nel and Samsung are not only advancing hydrogen adoption but paving the way for other like-minded collaborations. These innovations are not just technological milestones—they are reminders of how concerted efforts can solve complex energy challenges with solutions grounded in practicality and sustainability.