DOE awards grant to Exelon Generation for pursuit of hydrogen production at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station

With a new grant award, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signaled support this week for Exelon Generation’s plans to install an electrolyzer and use the hydrogen storage system at New York’s Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station to support hydrogen production there.

“This partnership with DOE reflects our continued commitment to innovation and further demonstrates the immense value of our nuclear fleet and its ability to provide carbon-free energy to the communities we serve,” Dave Rhoades, chief nuclear officer at Exelon Generation, said. “Among our many options, we chose the New York site, recognizing the strong partnership that we have had with the State, including the support for nuclear energy provided through the New York Public Service Commission’s clean energy standard.”

The goal will be the generation of an economical supply of hydrogen that can be captured, stored, and marketed as a carbon-free source of power for various industrial applications. Hydrogen is a natural byproduct of nuclear energy. Despite the increased efforts at the plant, they should not significantly increase the amount of hydrogen to be stored at the site, according to Exelon. Existing operational protocols are in place to support the effort.

Under the planned move, Exelon Generation will install a Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzer at Nine Mile. It’s expected to begin operations next year. When it does, the company will use the plant’s existing hydrogen storage system and supporting infrastructure. Exelon will partner with Nel Hydrogen, Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to demonstrate integrated production, storage, and normal usage throughout the facility.