NuScale SMR Simulator Integrates Hydrogen Production, Pushing Nuclear into Green Hydrogen

NuScale Power and GSE Solutions Launch Groundbreaking Hydrogen Production Simulator

NuScale Power, teaming up with GSE Solutions, just pulled off something huge—they’ve rolled out the world’s first fully integrated hydrogen production simulation inside a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control room simulator. It’s all happening at their headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon, where this new setup offers real-time testing of hydrogen production systems that can crank out over 200 metric tons a day using high-temperature steam electrolysis powered by nuclear heat.

Real-World Simulation, Real-World Potential

This isn’t just another lab experiment. It’s the first time an entire SMR-based hydrogen production process has been modeled at full scale using cutting-edge simulation tools like GSE’s JTopmeret® and JLogic. What sets this system apart is its use of Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (RSOFCs), which not only add another layer of flexibility but also allow for the simultaneous production of electricity, clean water, and hydrogen. That’s a powerful trio when you’re talking about serious issues like industrial decarbonization and growing concerns around water scarcity.

More Than Just Technology—It’s a Training Ground, Too

NuScale isn’t just thinking about what this tech can do—they’re also looking at who’s going to run it. Their goal is to use this simulator as a training and development tool, with plans to roll it out to academic institutions and industry partners. It’s a smart move that helps prepare the next generation of engineers and operators as the hydrogen economy starts to scale up.

Nuclear’s New Role in the Hydrogen Economy

What’s exciting here is the bigger picture. This innovation pushes SMRs into new territory—beyond just feeding the power grid and into the realms of green hydrogen and clean molecule production, areas that have been mostly dominated by renewables until now. By tapping into the consistent output of nuclear energy, NuScale is helping to build a more resilient and scalable hydrogen production infrastructure—with nuclear as the backbone.

All in all, it’s a major step forward, not just for NuScale, but for anyone watching the evolution of clean energy technology.