High-temperature water splitting nuclear energy

High-Temperature Water Splitting Using Nuclear Energy.601... 

In this context, the CEA has chosen to work on biomass decomposition, free CO2 processes and bioprocesses. In this paper, we focus only on CO free processes, i.e. on the splitting of water by high-temperature electrolysis or by thermochemical processes. These processes do rely on a high-temperature nuclear reactor, but can also be studied in relation with gcothcnnic or solar sources of energy. 

Similar to a solar concentrator, a nuclear reactor produces energy as high-temperature heat that can be used to drive high-temperature thermochemical water splitting cycles. The next-generation nuclear reactors under development could generate temperatures of 800°C-1000°C. We have to emphasize that these temperatures are much lower than those produced by a solar concentrator. A thermochemical process based on nuclear heat would use a different set of chemical reactions to produce hydrogen. 

The non-electric markets for nuclear energy potentially include seawater desalination, district heating, low temperature process heat, and high temperature heat (including a potential for hydrogen manufacture by water splitting). These markets are likely to be served by commercial entities, which are separate from electric utilities, and for which financing relies on commercial bank loan rates or usual rates of return on investor equity. 

---