A proposed tri-generation system uses a small modular reactor to deliver clean electricity, hydrogen fuel and desalinated water from the same energy source

Waste heat from hydrogen production is used to desalinate seawater and generate freshwater as a secondary product (Courtesy: Shutterstock/Yusheng)

The majority of hydrogen comes from natural gas, produced in a process called Steam Methane Reforming. Even though this process is relatively cheap, it has the downside of producing significant amounts of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Alternatively, hydrogen can be made by splitting water, a process that requires electricity for electrolysis and therefore another energy source, as well as large supplies of water. There is an ongoing desire for low-carbon electricity, clean hydrogen for industry (e.g.…