IGCAR Kalpakkam Hydrogen Plant: India inaugurates world’s first hydrogen plant that uses nuclear reactor heat instead of electricity
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The project was developed as a technology demonstration facility to validate hydrogen production using nuclear energy. According to the official statement, the Cu-Cl thermochemical process used at the plant was developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Mumbai.
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A step towards clean hydrogen production
Hydrogen is seen as an important fuel for the future as countries look for cleaner energy options. According to DAE, the new facility shows that nuclear energy can be used not only for electricity generation, but also for hydrogen production without dependence on fossil fuels.
The Copper-Chlorine thermochemical cycle is viewed as a promising hydrogen production method as it operates at relatively lower temperatures and offers higher thermodynamic efficiency compared to some alternative technologies. Using nuclear process heat from fast reactors, the process avoids greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional hydrogen production methods.
Joint work of BARC and IGCAR
The commissioning of the facility comes after years of research, engineering design, equipment manufacturing, installation and testing jointly carried out by BARC and IGCAR.
The facility will help researchers gain operational experience, improve the Cu-Cl process and support future work to increase nuclear-assisted hydrogen production for larger applications, officials said.
What Did DAE President Say?
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty said: “Integration of nuclear energy with emerging clean energy technologies such as hydrogen production represents a strategic path towards a sustainable energy future. With its unique ability to provide high-temperature process heat as well as providing reliable carbon-free electricity, nuclear energy is ideal to support large-scale hydrogen production while contributing to India’s energy security, decarbonisation goals and long-term sustainable development goals.”
Built on decades of fast reactor experience
IGCAR has been a key institution in India’s fast breeder reactor program since 1971. The Center designed, built and operated the Fast Breeder Test Reactor, which has supported the development of fuels, materials and technologies required for advanced reactor systems for more than four decades.
Experience gained through FBTR also contributed to the development of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), which forms part of the second phase of India’s three-phase nuclear power programme.
IGCAR highlights wider role of nuclear energy
Speaking at the event, Shri Sreekumar G. Pillai, Director, IGCAR, said: “This achievement builds on over four decades of operational experience and technological excellence gained through the Fast Breeder Test Reactor program at IGCAR. The successful demonstration of hydrogen production using nuclear process heat demonstrates the versatility of advanced nuclear systems and underlines IGCAR’s commitment to developing innovative technologies that contribute to India’s clean energy transition and long-term energy security.”
Importance for India’s Nuclear Program
The hydrogen production facility expands the role of nuclear energy beyond electricity generation and supports research into clean hydrogen technologies. DAE said the project reflects India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous technology development while exploring new applications of nuclear energy for a low-carbon future.
The launch also marks a new milestone in India’s three-phase nuclear programme; researchers aim to combine advanced reactor technologies and clean hydrogen production to support long-term energy needs.
