IGCAR Kalpakkam Hydrogen Plant: India inaugurates world’s first hydrogen plant that uses nuclear reactor heat instead of electricity

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated what it describes as the world's first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) thermochemical cycle that uses nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). The facility was opened at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam and was inaugurated on June 26 by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.

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The project has been developed as a technology demonstration plant to validate hydrogen production using nuclear energy. The Cu–Cl thermochemical process used in the facility was developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, according to an official statement.


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A step towards clean hydrogen production

Hydrogen is considered an important fuel for the future as countries look for cleaner energy options. According to DAE, the new facility demonstrates how nuclear energy can be used not only for electricity generation but also for producing hydrogen without relying on fossil fuels.



The Copper–Chlorine thermochemical cycle is viewed as a promising hydrogen production method because it operates at relatively lower temperatures and offers higher thermodynamic efficiency compared to some alternative technologies. By using nuclear process heat from fast reactors, the process avoids greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional hydrogen production methods.

Joint effort by BARC and IGCAR

The commissioning of the facility follows years of research, engineering design, equipment fabrication, installation and testing carried out jointly by BARC and IGCAR.

Officials said the plant will help researchers gain operational experience, improve the Cu–Cl process and support future work on scaling up nuclear-assisted hydrogen production for larger applications.

What DAE Chairman Said

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty said: "The integration of nuclear energy with emerging clean energy technologies such as hydrogen production represents a strategic pathway towards a sustainable energy future. Nuclear power, with its unique ability to provide reliable carbon-free electricity as well as high-temperature process heat, is ideally suited to support large-scale hydrogen production while contributing to India's energy security, decarbonization goals and long-term sustainable development objectives."

Built on decades of fast reactor experience

IGCAR has been a key institution in India's fast breeder reactor programme since 1971. The centre designed, built and operated the Fast Breeder Test Reactor, which has supported the development of fuels, materials and technologies required for advanced reactor systems for more than four decades.

The experience gained through FBTR has also contributed to the development of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), which forms part of the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.

IGCAR highlights broader role of nuclear energy

Speaking at the event, IGCAR Director Shri Sreekumar G. Pillai said: "This achievement builds upon more than four decades of operational experience and technological excellence gained through the Fast Breeder Test Reactor programme at IGCAR. The successful demonstration of hydrogen production using nuclear process heat showcases the versatility of advanced nuclear systems and underscores IGCAR's commitment to developing innovative technologies that contribute to India's clean energy transition and long-term energy security."

Significance for India's Nuclear Programme

The hydrogen production facility expands the role of nuclear energy beyond electricity generation and supports research into clean hydrogen technologies. DAE said the project reflects India's efforts to strengthen indigenous technology development while exploring new applications of nuclear energy for a low-carbon future.

The inauguration also marks a new milestone in India's three-stage nuclear programme, with researchers seeking to combine advanced reactor technologies and clean hydrogen production to support long-term energy needs.