H2 View understands, Bloom will install an electrolyser, built on its solid oxide platform, at the plant which will utilise the existing clean energy nuclear infrastructure, with hopes of establishing immediate and scalable pathways to produce cost efficient hydrogen.

High heat and steam produced by Xcel’s Prairie Island facility will be fed into the electrolyser to produce zero-carbon hydrogen, which Bloom says is more efficient than low temperature alternatives such as PEM or alkaline electrolysers.

The companies have said engineering for the 240kW demonstration is currently underway, with construction expected to begin in late 2023, and is anticipated to be operation in 2024.

Bloom Energy is a participant of the newly launched Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative which seeks to advance nuclear hydrogen as a critical climate solution by engaging policymakers, businesses, investors, and other key stakeholders.

Read more: Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative launched with backing of over 40 organisations

Read more: Nuclear Hydrogen initiative: Nuclear hydrogen a key way to meet decarbonisation needs

“Xcel Energy has long championed what we at Bloom Energy know is true: Our Net Zero future hinges on energy that’s not only clean but also resilient, accessible and affordable,” said Rick Beuttel, Vice-President, Hydrogen Business, Bloom Energy. “In today’s climate of extreme weather, fluctuating costs, and global energy insecurity, hydrogen offers unmatched potential to leverage existing infrastructure for clean, abundant energy.

“Combined with Xcel Energy’s nuclear infrastructure, Bloom Energy’s solid oxide platform – which offers exceptional efficiency – can help us achieve our shared goal of an accessible Net Zero future through low-cost, zero-carbon hydrogen.”

Peter Gardner, Senior Vice-President and Chief Nuclear Officer at Xcel Energy, commented, “Xcel Energy’s nuclear power plants already play a vital role in our energy mix, delivering clean, reliable and affordable power for our customers while avoiding hundreds of millions of tonnes of emissions.

“This project will provide a tremendous opportunity to better understand how our existing nuclear plants can contribute to the development of hydrogen technologies and build a carbon free future.”