Nuclear Production of Hydrogen, Fourth Information Exchange ...

A URANIUM THERMOCHEMICAL CYCLE FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
A uranium thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production
Charles Forsberg, 1 Jack Collins, Les Dole, Juan Ferrada, M. Jonathan Haire,
Rodney Hunt, Jennifer L. Ladd-Lively, Ben Lewis, Ray Wymer
1Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, United States of America
Abstract
A modelling and experimental effort has identified a new uranium thermochemical cycle (UTC) for the
production of hydrogen from water. The peak temperature within the cycle is below 700°C – a
temperature achievable with existing high temperature nuclear reactors and some solar systems using
commercially available materials. This paper describes the new process and some of the experimental
work. It is an early report of chemical feasibility. Much work will be required to determine engineering
and economic viability.
NUCLEAR PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN – © OECD/NEA 2010 453