India has achieved a major milestone in clean energy innovation with the inauguration of the world’s first Hydrogen Production Facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) Thermochemical Cycle, using nuclear process heat generated from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
The facility, inaugurated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has been developed as a technology demonstrator to validate hydrogen production through nuclear energy using the indigenous “Cu–Cl thermochemical process” developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.
Nuclear heat meets clean hydrogen technology
According to the government, the integration of nuclear process heat with hydrogen generation marks a significant technological advancement and creates a pathway for large-scale, carbon-free hydrogen production using advanced nuclear reactors.
Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), highlighted the importance of the achievement and praised the teams involved.
“I congratulate the scientists, engineers and technical teams of BARC and IGCAR whose sustained dedication, innovation and technical excellence have transformed an advanced scientific concept into an operational reality. This achievement is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in advanced nuclear technologies and clean energy systems,” said Mohanty.
Boost to India’s clean energy goals
The development builds on more than four decades of operational experience and technological expertise gained through the Fast Breeder Test Reactor programme at IGCAR.
Sreekumar G. Pillai, Director, IGCAR, said the demonstration highlights the potential of advanced nuclear systems in supporting India’s energy transition.
“The successful demonstration of hydrogen production using nuclear process heat showcases the versatility of advanced nuclear systems and underscores IGCAR’s commitment to developing innovative technologies that contribute to India’s clean energy transition and long-term energy security,” he mentioned.
Pathway towards carbon-free hydrogen
The government said combining nuclear power with emerging clean energy solutions like hydrogen production could play a key role in achieving a sustainable energy future.
Nuclear power offers the ability to provide reliable carbon-free electricity along with high-temperature process heat, making it suitable for supporting large-scale hydrogen production while contributing to energy security, decarbonisation goals and long-term sustainable development objectives.