"By using spare heat to enable some of the other low-carbon technologies needed alongside nuclear, Sizewell C will become a flexible energy hub and provide even greater value for energy users."Julia Pyke, Sizewell C's Joint Managing Director
Hydrogen and Sizewell C
Hydrogen busses
At Sizewell C, we are exploring how we can produce and use hydrogen in several ways. We are working with Wrightbus on a pilot scheme which, if successful, could see thousands of workers transported to and from site on hydrogen double decker buses. You can read more about the pilot scheme in our press release
Firstly, it could help lower emissions during construction of the power station. Secondly, once Sizewell C is operational, we hope to use some of the heat it generates (alongside electricity) to make hydrogen more efficiently.
Bringing hydrogen and nuclear together
Sizewell C will generate huge amounts of reliable, low-carbon energy, great for making hydrogen. Nuclear and hydrogen are also two clean technologies that can help the UK make big reductions in carbon emissions.
One of the best ways of producing hydrogen is by splitting water molecules using an electrolyser. Using low-carbon nuclear energy to power the electrolyser means we can produce hydrogen which has no carbon emissions.
Nuclear and hydrogen are both big priorities for the Government and are referenced in the Great British Energy founding statement.
How we could produce low-carbon hydrogen
One of the best ways of producing hydrogen is by splitting water molecules using an electrolyser. Using low-carbon electricity and heat from our nuclear reactors to power the electrolyser means we can produce low-carbon hydrogen.
Supplying local ports with clean hydrogen
Sizewell C supports Freeport East which includes a plan to supply hydrogen to the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich. Working with Hutchison Ports and Ryse-Hydrogen, Sizewell C put forward proposals for a hydrogen hub to provide clean fuel for freight, public transport and other uses, including heating.
Additional technologies
Sizewell C is already set to be one of the biggest Net Zero projects in the UK. Linking it to other low-carbon technologies can bring even more flexibility and value to the energy system. Our plans could support the local economy and stimulate a low-carbon hydrogen and direct air capture market in the East of England.
Once operational, Sizewell C could produce hydrogen for a variety of uses including:
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