In a major milestone for India’s clean energy ambitions, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated 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 technology demonstrator facility was inaugurated by DAE Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty in the presence of IGCAR Director Sreekumar G. Pillai.
BARC, IGCAR collaboration
Developed through a collaboration between Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, and IGCAR, the plant validates the production of hydrogen using nuclear energy through the indigenously developed Cu-Cl thermochemical process. The successful integration of nuclear process heat with hydrogen generation marks a significant technological breakthrough and paves the way for large-scale carbon-free hydrogen production using advanced nuclear reactors.
Hydrogen is widely viewed as a key clean energy carrier for the future, with the potential to play a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts. Among the various hydrogen production technologies under development worldwide, the Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle is regarded as one of the most promising due to its lower operating temperatures and higher thermodynamic efficiency. By using nuclear process heat from fast reactors, the technology eliminates greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional hydrogen production while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Result of extensive research
The commissioning of the facility follows years of research, engineering design, equipment fabrication, installation and testing undertaken jointly by BARC and IGCAR. The demonstration plant is expected to provide operational insights, enable further optimisation of the Cu-Cl process and support future scale-up for commercial deployment.
Nuclear energy can accelerate clean hydrogen production
Department of Atomic Energy Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty said, “The integration of nuclear energy with emerging clean energy technologies such as hydrogen production represents a strategic pathway towards a sustainable energy future. Nuclear power, with its unique ability to provide reliable carbon-free electricity as well as high-temperature process heat, is ideally suited to support large-scale hydrogen production while contributing to India’s energy security, decarbonization goals and long-term sustainable development objectives.”
He congratulated the scientists, engineers and technical teams of BARC and IGCAR for transforming an advanced scientific concept into an operational reality, describing the achievement as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in advanced nuclear technologies and clean energy systems.
Builds on four decades of fast breeder reactor expertise
IGCAR Director Sreekumar G. Pillai said, “This achievement builds upon more than four decades of operational experience and technological excellence gained through the Fast Breeder Test Reactor programme at IGCAR. 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.”
Established in 1971, IGCAR has been at the forefront of India’s Fast Breeder Reactor programme. The Fast Breeder Test Reactor has served as a key platform for developing fuels, materials and sodium technologies for over four decades and has played a pivotal role in the development of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), a cornerstone of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
IGCAR builds expertise in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics
The centre has also built globally recognised expertise in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, advanced materials, sodium technology, fuel cycle research, instrumentation and control systems, remote handling, non-destructive evaluation and high-temperature engineering.
According to DAE, the inauguration of the facility marks a significant step towards achieving the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat by combining indigenous nuclear technology with clean hydrogen production. The initiative reinforces India’s commitment to developing sustainable, secure and low-carbon energy solutions while strengthening the country’s position among global leaders in advanced nuclear technologies.