Transformative Hydrogen: A Framework for Nuclear Integration in the Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) emphasized nuclear energy's role in combating climate change, leading to the Ministerial Declaration on Nuclear Energy and the Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge. This project capitalizes on this momentum by exploring the fusion of nuclear technology with the oil and gas industry to produce clean hydrogen. By integrating nuclear energy's emission-free power generation capabilities with the existing infrastructure and expertise of the oil and gas sector, a novel approach for hydrogen production is proposed. The integration idea involves leveraging nuclear heat for steam methane reforming (SMR), reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. A comprehensive framework utilizing Aspen Plus for process simulation is presented to model key processes and assess technical feasibility and economic viability. The proposed system design includes a high-temperature reactor to provide heat for SMR, resulting in enhanced hydrogen production and reduced emissions. The study compares the performance of the integrated system with conventional methods, highlighting its potential for increased efficiency and sustainability. Results demonstrate improved methane conversion rates and hydrogen production, indicating the viability of the proposed approach. The project contributes to the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy by facilitating the seamless integration of nuclear and oil and gas technologies.