The USA and Ukraine will build a small nuclear reactor for the production of green hydrogen

The USA and Ukraine will build a small nuclear reactor for the production of green hydrogen shutterstock
Katerina Belousova

The project, among other things, is aimed at demonstrating Ukraine's innovative leadership in the field of "clean" energy thanks to the use of advanced technologies

US President's Special Envoy on Climate Matters John Kerry and Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko announced the pilot project "Clean fuel in Ukraine with SMR".

The project will launch the production of green hydrogen and ammonia using a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) and advanced electrolysis technologies in Ukraine, reports US Department of State.

The message noted that this pilot project is aimed at the world's first industrial production of clean fuel from SMR using the electrolysis of solid oxides. Such reactors are reliable and safe.

The press service emphasized that the project builds on the existing capacity-building cooperation initiated within the framework of the US program "Basic Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of SMR Technologies" (FIRST).

It is aimed at:

  • support of Ukraine's energy security goals;
  • ensuring the decarbonization of energy sectors, where it is difficult to reduce emissions, through the production of green hydrogen;
  • improving long-term food security with the help of clean fertilizers produced from ammonia;
  • demonstration of Ukraine's innovative leadership in the field of clean energy thanks to the use of advanced technologies.

The international consortium of the Argonne National Laboratory, NAEK "Energoatom", NSDC of Ukraine and the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, as well as private companies Clark Seed, Doosan Enerbility, FuelCell Energy, IHI Corporation, JGC Corporation, NuScale Power will participate in the implementation of the project. , Samsung C&T and Starfire Energy.

Kerry also spoke about the launch of a new initiative, "Project Phoenix", which is designed to accelerate the transition of coal-fired power plants in Europe to SMR, preserving local jobs by retraining the workforce.

"The United States is committed to supporting the use of innovative clean energy technologies to support global decarbonization efforts and provide options for achieving a green transition in energy sectors where it is difficult to reduce emissions," the statement said.

As EcoPolitic reported before, Energoatom and the Canadian Nuclear Industry Organization signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of atomic energy and related technologies, in particular hydrogen.

Related
National parks are forced to rent premises whilst ‘Forests of Ukraine’ sells its buildings at auction
National parks are forced to rent premises whilst ‘Forests of Ukraine’ sells its buildings at auction

This seems strange given the reports of austerity measures announced by the government

From clean to moderately polluted: air quality in Kyiv and other cities on 13 October
From clean to moderately polluted: air quality in Kyiv and other cities on 13 October

The air in Uzhhorod is currently the ‘healthiest’

Electricity generation from Ukrainian solar power stations could increase by 2 GW by the end of 2026
Electricity generation from Ukrainian solar power stations could increase by 2 GW by the end of 2026

Around 80% of all new installations are small-scale solar power stations set up for self-consumption

Heavy metals in tap water: how shelling is affecting the country’s water bodies
Heavy metals in tap water: how shelling is affecting the country’s water bodies

Significant pollution may make it necessary to cut off the water supply