A pioneering study from the University of Sharjah suggests that radioactive spent nuclear fuel could be repurposed to enhance hydrogen production, transforming a long-standing waste challenge into a sustainable energy opportunity.
A pioneering study from the University of Sharjah suggests that nuclear waste, usually viewed as a tricky environmental problem, might actually be repurposed to boost the efficiency of hydrogen production. This innovative idea aims to tap into the radioactive and thermal qualities of spent nuclear fuel, possibly turning what’s often seen as a persistent waste issue into a valuable resource supporting the growing hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen is generally considered a promising clean energy carrier because burning it only results in water, making it a pretty handy green alternative to fossil fuels. But, here’s the thing, hydrogen isn’t exactly a primary energy source; it still needs energy to be produced, which raises questions about its overall sustainability. At present, most hydrogen is made from fossil fuels through processes like Steam-Methane Reforming (SMR), which releases a fair amount of carbon dioxide. On the other hand, electrolysis, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen with electricity, offers a greener route, but it’s not without drawbacks: it’s inefficient and demands a lot of energy.
The researchers at the University of Sharjah are proposing an alternative approach involving the use of radioactive spent fuel rods, those that are removed from reactors after they’ve been used up and need to be stored in cooling pools for a long time. Interestingly enough, since the team plans to avoid directly contacting water with nuclear waste, the risk of contamination should be quite low. Their study outlines a few ways to tap into the unique properties of nuclear waste:
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Radiolysis – Water molecules are pre-split by exposure to radiation from alpha, beta, and gamma particles emitted by the waste, which produces reactive intermediates and makes electrolysis more efficient. Honestly, it’s a pretty clever way to kickstart the process.
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Uranium-based Catalysts – Extracted uranium from the waste could act as a cost-effective catalyst, potentially replacing pricier metals like platinum, to speed up electrochemical reactions, and it wouldn’t get used up in the process.
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Catalysis in SMR (Steam-Methane Reforming) – Using uranium catalysts might also enhance the durability and efficiency of SMR processes by resisting carbon buildup, which often wears out catalysts over time.
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Thermal Energy Utilization – The residual heat from spent fuel could be harnessed to help drive chemical reactions involved in hydrogen production, reducing the need for additional heat sources and improving overall efficiency.
The team stresses that this idea doesn’t just promise better hydrogen yields. It also offers a creative way to make use of what’s usually considered long-term nuclear waste, a material that’s often just stored away. “Utilizing nuclear waste is a novel method of producing hydrogen,” the researchers say, “and it really transforms an ongoing environmental challenge into something useful.”
Looking at the bigger picture, their findings fit well within broader global efforts to incorporate nuclear power into hydrogen production strategies. For example, in the US, the Department of Energy (DOE) has started investing in projects at existing nuclear facilities, like the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station in New York, that began producing clean hydrogen early in 2023. These initiatives aim to leverage nuclear energy’s low-carbon strength to generate hydrogen for transportation, synthetic fuels, and more.
On the international scene, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is stepping up efforts to develop policies and frameworks for faster integration of nuclear hydrogen. They’re creating roadmaps to guide deployment worldwide and broadening their focus to include nuclear hydrogen technology, recognizing its potential beyond just electricity generation, into a diversified, low-carbon energy future.
Japan, for its part, is also pushing forward. They plan to use the High-Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR), which could be operational by 2028, to produce hydrogen, supporting their carbon neutrality ambitions. This project aims to demonstrate that nuclear reactors can be coupled directly with hydrogen production units, making the process more reliable and efficient.
Of course, despite all this promise, experts remind us that challenges remain. The IAEA’s reports on nuclear hydrogen production highlight the need for ongoing research, especially to improve process efficiencies, ensure economic feasibility, and develop safe methods for managing radioactive materials.
For the UAE, which is actively diversifying and investing heavily in clean energy technologies, this study from Sharjah offers an intriguing opportunity. Using existing nuclear waste resources could potentially boost green hydrogen output and help manage nuclear waste sustainably, even in a country eager to expand its renewable energy portfolio.
All in all, harnessing nuclear waste for hydrogen production could be a real game-changer. It might improve electrolysis efficiency, extend catalyst lifespan, and make good use of residual heat, contributing to a cleaner, more circular energy system. This concept aligns with international efforts to embed nuclear energy more deeply into hydrogen strategies, offering a low-carbon pathway to meet increasing global energy needs. Still, turning this idea into reality will require coordinated innovation, supportive regulations, and public acceptance as the green energy landscape continues to evolve.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://newatlas.com/energy/nuclear-waste-green-hydrogen/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/3-nuclear-power-plants-gearing-clean-hydrogen-production – The U.S. Department of Energy is investing in three nuclear power plants to produce clean hydrogen. These plants aim to leverage existing nuclear infrastructure to generate hydrogen without carbon emissions, supporting the transition to a clean energy economy. The initiative includes projects at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Power Station in New York, which began generating hydrogen in February 2023, and plans for additional facilities to produce hydrogen for various applications, including fuel cell vehicles and carbon-neutral synthetic fuels.
- https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/fast-tracking-nuclear-hydrogen-iaea-to-develop-roadmap-for-commercial-deployment – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched an initiative to develop a roadmap for the commercial deployment of hydrogen production using nuclear energy. This initiative aims to accelerate the integration of nuclear energy into the emerging hydrogen economy by bringing together experts to share advancements and identify technical readiness for various hydrogen production technologies, culminating in a guiding document for countries to evaluate and strategize nuclear hydrogen projects.
- https://www.world-energy.org/article/51079.html – Japan’s High-Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) is set to begin hydrogen production in the second half of fiscal 2028. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has submitted a request for authorization to the Nuclear Regulation Authority to proceed with the project, aiming to establish a reliable method for connecting the HTTR to a hydrogen production facility. This project is part of Japan’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by utilizing nuclear reactors for hydrogen production.
- https://www.iaea.org/topics/non-electric-applications/nuclear-hydrogen-production – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expanding its program on non-electric applications of nuclear energy to include nuclear hydrogen production. This initiative focuses on developing technologies for producing hydrogen using nuclear energy, which has the potential to play a significant role in a future low-carbon energy economy. The IAEA is working on evaluating the economics of large-scale hydrogen production using nuclear energy and assessing the technical readiness of various hydrogen production technologies.
- https://www.iaea.org/publications/8855/hydrogen-production-using-nuclear-energy – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has published a report titled ‘Hydrogen Production Using Nuclear Energy,’ which discusses the potential of nuclear energy in producing hydrogen as a sustainable and environmentally acceptable source of energy. The report addresses technical challenges in nuclear hydrogen processes and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research and development efforts to integrate nuclear energy into the hydrogen economy.
- https://www.iaea.org/bulletin/more-than-just-a-power-source – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) highlights the role of nuclear energy in hydrogen production for a low-carbon future. The article discusses the potential of nuclear energy to produce hydrogen without carbon emissions, supporting the transition to a clean energy economy. It emphasizes the importance of integrating nuclear energy into the hydrogen economy to meet global energy demands sustainably.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents a novel approach by the University of Sharjah to repurpose nuclear waste for hydrogen production, with no prior reports found in the past seven days. The earliest known publication date of similar content is November 5, 2025, indicating recent coverage. The report appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material suggests a higher freshness score but should be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote, “Utilizing nuclear waste is a novel method of producing hydrogen,” attributed to the researchers, appears to be original, with no identical matches found in earlier material. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the University of Sharjah, a reputable academic institution. However, the reliance on a press release introduces some uncertainty, as press releases can sometimes present information in a biased or promotional manner.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The concept of using nuclear waste to enhance hydrogen production efficiency is plausible and aligns with ongoing research in the field. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The tone and language are consistent with academic and scientific reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative introduces a novel approach by the University of Sharjah to repurpose nuclear waste for hydrogen production, with no prior reports found in the past seven days. The direct quote attributed to the researchers appears original. While the source is a reputable academic institution, the reliance on a press release introduces some uncertainty. The concept is plausible but lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets. Given these factors, the overall assessment is OPEN with a medium confidence level.
