Hydrogen is known to be the carbon-neutral alternative energy carrier with the highest energy density. Currently, more than 95% of hydrogen production technologies rely on fossil fuels, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. Water electrolysis is one of the most widely used technologies for hydrogen generation. Nuclear power, a renewable energy source, can provide the heat needed for the process of steam electrolysis for clean hydrogen production. This review paper analyses the recent progress in hydrogen generation via high-temperature steam electrolysis through solid oxide electrolysis cells using nuclear thermal energy. Protons and oxygen-ions conducting solid oxide electrolysis processes are discussed in this paper. The scope of this review report covers a broad range, including the recent advances in material development for each component (i.e., hydrogen electrode, oxygen electrode, electrolyte, interconnect, and sealant), degradation mechanisms, and countermeasures to mitigate them.

In December 2020, Canada released its national strengthened climate change plan with focus on cutting energy waste, cutting pollution, and build clean industrial advantage. Two weeks later, the national hydrogen strategy was announced urging all involved stakeholders to delve into the deployment of large-scale clean energy technologies. Ontario, Canada’s largest economy and leading manufacturing province, it releases its provincial hydrogen strategy and roadmap later this year. represents a viable solution for reducing CO₂ emissions from large industry pollutants by integrating our innovative copper chlorine (Cu-Cl) thermochemical water splitting cycle with the energy intensive and polluting industry of cement manufacturing. The paper highlights the nexus between the production process of two valuable commodities, namely cement and Hydrogen, and the role their integration introduces for increased energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, as most of the thermal energy demand in cement manufacturing is utilized during the kiln processes, the paper proposes several energy mix scenarios involving the use of hydrogen to partially meet the kiln’s heat demand. The results from these scenarios show the possibility of achieving over 15% to 19.6% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to coal-based kiln production, along with reduced recurring cost for operating the kiln. On-site large-scale hydrogen production, mixed with natural gas, was found to be financially viable and environmentally advantageous alternative to power the kilns.

Nuclear cogeneration can lead to higher overall energy efficiency and enhanced utilization of a nuclear power plant. It enables diversification of the role they play in the energy market (i.e., heat and transportation along with power generation) and contributes to its decarbonization. The deployment of nuclear cogeneration can be accelerated if several issues between vendors and users involved in such projects are properly identified and addressed. This includes formulating suitable business models for the project, infrastructure development, and managing stakeholders’ involvement. The stakeholders in cogeneration projects include the utilities for electricity, heat, water and others, the regulatory bodies, and suppliers and contractors for nuclear and the industrial processes, along with the general public and other commercial and industrial users of the cogenerated products and services. Public acceptance is expected to play a major role in the successful deployment of nuclear cogeneration projects. Stakeholders' interaction at the pre-project stage can include activities related to siting, target utilization of the product or cogenerated commodity, status and selection of technologies for the coupled industrial plant, regulatory implications and financial constraints, and considerations among other elements. This paper assesses some of these issues with a focus on nuclear cogeneration for seawater desalination. It also discusses the licensing consideration and issues, and proposes a licensing scheme for nuclear cogeneration projects.