Equilibrion, a leading technical and strategic nuclear consultancy, has been appointed by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Wales & West Utilities (WWU), with support from the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), to lead the SHyNE (Sustainable Hydrogen Enabled by Nuclear Energy) project. This groundbreaking study will examine the role of nuclear-enabled hydrogen in tackling the UK’s Net Zero energy challenge.
The SHyNE project will explore the full nuclear-to-energy end-user value chain, focusing on how nuclear-powered hydrogen production could leverage the UK’s extensive gas network for low-carbon hydrogen delivery. By deploying nuclear-enabled hydrogen, the study aims to create sustainable solutions that support industrial, domestic, and transport energy requirements.
Hydrogen is emerging as a greener alternative to traditional natural gas, and nuclear-enabled hydrogen production, recognized by the UK’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Standard, utilizes both heat and electricity from nuclear reactors to produce hydrogen. Past studies reveal that nuclear-enabled hydrogen can lower costs for consumers while ensuring resilient production, making it a vital component of the UK’s energy future.
The SHyNE project’s roadmap includes:
- Developing deployment strategies for scalable hydrogen production to meet energy demand.
- Conducting geographical and techno-economic analyses for potential nuclear new-build sites, factoring in customer demand and existing infrastructure.
- Exploring advancements in nuclear technology, especially Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), to enhance flexibility, scalability, and financing options.
Allan Simpson, Chief Technologist at Equilibrion, emphasized the importance of the project:
“Nuclear-enabled hydrogen represents a powerful, yet largely untapped, opportunity to drive the UK’s journey to Net Zero at a significant scale and for the first time both the nuclear and hydrogen sectors can fully appreciate how working together can be a game-changer to the availability of low-cost electrolytic hydrogen and expand opportunities for organisations in both sectors.”
“We are committed to enhancing the opportunities for collaboration between the hydrogen and nuclear sectors for mutual benefit and are delighted to be appointed by Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities to advance the role of nuclear energy in delivering scalable, low-carbon hydrogen through the existing gas infrastructure. This project supports the foundation for a sustainable energy transition, bringing clean energy and substantial socio-economic benefits to communities across the UK.”
The SHyNE project will also assess how pairing nuclear power plants with electrolytic hydrogen production can provide flexible electricity output to balance the grid. These findings are expected to create substantial opportunities for jobs, economic growth, and inward investment while supporting the UK’s decarbonization strategy.
Matthew Hindle, WWU’s Head of Net Zero & Sustainability, shared his thoughts:
“We know that low carbon hydrogen needs to play an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition – including blending into existing natural gas supplies, or in its pure form for industry, transport, electricity generation and homes. To reliably produce sufficient hydrogen to meet these demands, it will be vital to diversify production methods and increase the levels of firm capacity needed for predictable supply.
“We’re excited to work with Equilibrion and NGN to better understand how nuclear-enabled hydrogen can support gas customers through the energy transition, by providing reliable, scalable low-carbon hydrogen for supply into the UK gas networks. SHyNE can support the reuse and adaptation of existing infrastructure to reduce costs, while accelerating the energy transition and enhancing energy security.”
Lewis Kirkwood, NGN Innovation Manager, highlighted the value of the SHyNE project:
“Hydrogen can be a key enabler of accelerated decarbonisation for industry, transport and heat, and as an energy network it’s critical we understand all the angles for hydrogen production and what’s required to ready our infrastructure.
Network Innovation Allowance projects such as this are essential to unlocking the potential for hydrogen investment, to support the UK’s decarbonisation strategy and diversify its energy portfolio, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and shore up energy security.”
The SHyNE project highlights the alignment between nuclear-enabled hydrogen innovations and the UK’s national sustainability goals. It also complements recent UK Government plans to expand nuclear electricity production and unveils new opportunities for the development of nuclear sites starting from 2025.
Through this landmark partnership, the SHyNE project establishes a foundation for collaboration between the nuclear and hydrogen sectors, unlocking the potential for low-carbon energy to drive the UK toward its 2050 Net Zero commitments.
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