India launches world's first hydrogen production plant using promising method that harnesses heat from nuclear reactor

India has launched the world’s first demonstration plant for hydrogen production using the copper-chlorine (Cu–Cl) thermochemical cycle, utilising heat from a nuclear reactor. The new facility has commenced operations at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This was reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

The copper-chlorine thermochemical cycle is regarded as one of the most promising technologies for hydrogen production. Unlike traditional methods, the process is based not on the combustion of fossil fuels but on high-temperature heat generated by an experimental fast neutron reactor (FBTR, Fast Breeder Test Reactor). This enables hydrogen to be produced with virtually no carbon dioxide emissions.

India’s Department of Atomic Energy has stated that the project represents a significant technological achievement and has confirmed the potential to use nuclear energy for the environmentally friendly production of hydrogen. The plant is currently operating in experimental mode. The next stage will involve refining the technology and scaling it up for commercial application.

According to the department’s head, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the combination of nuclear power and hydrogen technologies will help strengthen the country’s energy security and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Hydrogen is set to be widely used in industry, the energy sector and transport as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.