Hydrogen generation could play an important role in the Nine Mile Point nuclear power plant near Oswego, New York.

To support this idea, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has given Exelon Generation a grant to investigate the potential benefits of onsite hydrogen synthesis at the nuclear power plant, also known as pink hydrogen.

Exelon will collaborate with Nel Hydrogen, Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and the National Energy Laboratory to demonstrate integrated production, storage, and routine station consumption.

The project will seek to develop a cost-effective supply of hydrogen that can be safely captured, stored, and potentially exported to market as a carbon-free source of power in industrial and transportation applications.

A proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is expected to be erected, which could take advantage of the station’s existing hydrogen storage system and accompanying infrastructure.

The electrolyzer will be installed, and operations will commence in 2022.

“This relationship with DOE represents our continuous commitment to innovation and further highlights the great value of our nuclear fleet and its capacity to offer carbon-free electricity to the communities we serve,” said Dave Rhoades, Chief Nuclear Officer, Exelon Generation.

“Among our numerous possibilities, we chose the New York site because of our strong collaboration with the State, particularly the support for nuclear energy provided by the New York Public Service Commission’s clean energy standard.”