SYLLABUS

GS-3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Context: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the world's first Hydrogen Production Facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.

About the Hydrogen Production Facility

• It is the world's first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).

• The facility has been established as a technology demonstrator to validate hydrogen production using nuclear energy through the indigenously developed Cu–Cl process by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.

• It successfully integrates nuclear process heat with hydrogen generation, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale, carbon-free hydrogen production using advanced nuclear reactors.

• The project is the result of joint efforts by BARC and IGCAR, involving research, process development, engineering design, equipment fabrication, installation, testing and commissioning.

• The facility will:

• Generate operational data for process validation.
• Facilitate optimisation of the Cu–Cl process.
• Support research for scaling up commercial nuclear-assisted hydrogen production.

About the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle

• The Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle is an advanced hydrogen production process that uses nuclear process heat to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a series of thermochemical reactions.

• The process involves multiple thermochemical reactions in which copper and chlorine compounds are continuously recycled, while water is ultimately split into hydrogen and oxygen.

• The process has been developed indigenously by the BARC.

• It utilises high-temperature process heat generated from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) instead of relying on fossil fuels.

• The process produces carbon-free (Pink) Hydrogen by utilising nuclear energy as the primary heat source.

• Nuclear reactors provide continuous high-temperature process heat, enabling round-the-clock hydrogen production unlike intermittent renewable sources.

• It is considered one of the most promising thermochemical hydrogen production technologies because of:

• Relatively lower operating temperatures compared to many other thermochemical cycles.
• Higher thermodynamic efficiency.
• Reduced energy losses during hydrogen production.

• The process:

• Significantly reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
• Eliminates greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional hydrogen production.
• Enables production of carbon-free (pink) hydrogen using nuclear energy.

Significance of the Facility

• World First Achievement: Establishes India as the first country to demonstrate hydrogen production through the Cu–Cl thermochemical cycle using nuclear process heat.

• Clean Energy Transition: Provides a carbon-free pathway for hydrogen production, supporting India's decarbonisation and Net Zero ambitions.

• Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels by producing hydrogen using indigenous nuclear resources.

• Technological Breakthrough: Demonstrates successful integration of advanced nuclear reactors with hydrogen production technologies.

• Commercial Potential: Generates valuable operational experience for scaling up nuclear-assisted hydrogen production for industrial and commercial deployment.

• Strengthening India's Nuclear Programme: Showcases the versatility of fast breeder reactors beyond electricity generation by utilising high-temperature process heat.

• Boost to Indigenous Innovation: Reflects the technological capabilities of BARC and IGCAR in advanced nuclear systems and clean energy technologies.

• Supports India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme: Builds upon the expertise developed through the FBTR, which laid the foundation for the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).

• Promotes AtmaNirbhar Bharat & Viksit Bharat: Reinforces India's commitment to technological self-reliance, sustainable development and a secure low-carbon energy future.