NewHydrogen and NuCube Energy Partner on Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production

NewHydrogen, a California-based company, has partnered with NuCube Energy to combine ThermoLoop technology with NuSun microreactors for hydrogen production. ThermoLoop is a thermochemical water-splitting process developed from University of California, Santa Barbara research that uses concentrated heat below 1,000°C and metal oxide redox cycles to produce hydrogen, achieving over 75 percent hydrogen yield in pre-pilot testing.

NuSun microreactors are compact, factory-built nuclear fission devices powered by TRISO particles that generate heat up to 1,100°C through passive heat pipes without requiring pumps or complex machinery. These units are designed for transport and can be positioned near industrial facilities or data centers.

The partnership aims to reduce green hydrogen production costs below $2 per kilogram, aligning with the US Department of Energy's Hydrogen Earthshot program targets. Current electrolysis methods allocate up to 73 percent of costs to electricity; this approach redirects energy dependency to heat supply. Early feasibility studies will examine heat exchangers, material durability, and hydrogen storage solutions for industrial-scale applications.

The collaboration targets pilot plant demonstrations later this decade, with potential commercial production facilities by the late 2020s. Industries including fertilizer production, refining, aviation, shipping, and data centers are monitoring developments. Challenges include material durability verification, heat transfer efficiency, Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval, and securing pilot plant funding commitments.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Fuel News. Read the full article →