The model will benefit NuScale’s VOYGR™ small modular reactor (SMR) power plant simulator, with GSE providing the models, integration and testing to support NuScale using its JPro Dynamic Simulation Software.

Under the agreement, GSE will modify the existing NuScale control room simulator to evaluate the Integrated Energy Systems (IES) dynamics and include GSE’s models for hydrogen production.

The project will determine the technical and economic feasibility of connecting a hydrogen production facility to a NuScale SMR power plant and evaluate operating parameters.

The scaled-up model is estimated to be complete by March 2024.

Kyle Loudermilk, President and CEO of GSE Solutions, said, “We are pleased to support NuScale in developing a first-of-its-kind hydrogen plant simulator, which is in line with GSE’s mission to support innovative clean power programs.

“Clean hydrogen production using our modelling of SMR technology and nuclear power systems demonstrates the potential to enable decarbonisation and stabilise power grids using hydrogen.”

Last year, NuScale Power, Shell Global Solutions and industry participants announced it will develop and assess a concept for a IES for hydrogen production using electricity and process heat from NuScale’s VOYGR™ SMR power plant.

The company believes its flexible SMR technology holds the potential to balance and stabilise power grids dominated by renewable energies through hydrogen production.

Read more: NuScale Power and partners target clean hydrogen production for small modular reactor plants

John Hopkins, NuScale Power President and CEO, said, “Hydrogen has been identified as a pathway for global decarbonisation, and NuScale’s SMR technology complements this goal through low carbon hydrogen production.”