American corporation NuScale Power, in collaboration with GSE Solutions, has unveiled the world’s first fully integrated simulator capable of simultaneously generating hydrogen, electricity, and purified water based on a small modular nuclear reactor, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the Interesting Engineering.
This innovative system is not just a virtual model or a laboratory prototype — the simulator operates in real time and is fully functional in hydrogen production. The technology utilizes high-temperature steam electrolysis powered by nuclear energy, enabling the daily output of up to 200 metric tons of clean hydrogen.
A key element of this development is the use of reversible solid oxide fuel cells, which allow the simultaneous production of hydrogen, electricity, and clean water. NuScale Power plans to provide access to the simulator to researchers and energy students, supporting workforce development and educational program design in the energy sector. Such advanced training environments are rarely seen in the hydrogen industry, and their integration with nuclear technologies is unprecedented.
The system demonstrates greater stability and efficiency compared to alternative hydrogen production methods. Utilizing the base-load profile of nuclear power, NuScale aims to establish a resilient and modular hydrogen production infrastructure.
The modularity and mobility of the platform align with growing global demands for decentralized and low-carbon industrial solutions. According to research presented at the World Petrochemical Conference, a single NuScale nuclear module can produce up to 567.8 million liters of potable water per day via reverse osmosis without any emissions.
Multi-module systems comprising 12 or more reactors could provide drinking water for up to 2.3 million people and electricity for 400,000 homes. An additional innovation is the system’s ability to reuse desalination brine, enhancing sustainability.
In partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, NuScale Power is advancing a hydrothermal chemical process that converts brine into hydrogen feedstock. This eliminates the need for conventional electrolysis, reducing both energy and freshwater consumption.
Earlier we wrote that IAEA demands access to Iranian nuclear sites following US strikes.