Exelon Generation has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)  to explore the potential benefits of onsite hydrogen production at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in Oswego, N.Y. Exelon Generation will partner with Nel Hydrogen, Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to demonstrate integrated production, storage and normal usage at the station. 

 The project will generate an economical supply of hydrogen, a natural byproduct of nuclear energy, to be safely captured, stored and potentially taken to market as a 100 percent carbon-free source of power for other purposes, including industrial applications such as transportation.

"This partnership with DOE reflects our continued commitment to innovation and further demonstrates the immense value of our nuclear fleet and its ability to provide carbon-free energy to the communities we serve,” said Exelon Generation Chief Nuclear Officer Dave Rhoades.

The amount of hydrogen safely stored at the site will not change significantly as a result of this initiative and plant staff are fully prepared to support the project using existing operational protocols.  

A Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer will be installed and will use the station’s existing hydrogen storage system and supporting infrastructure. The electrolyzer will be installed and operations are expected to begin in 2022.