India is exploring a new path to clean hydrogen by coupling nuclear reactors with electrolysis. The approach uses high-temperature steam from nuclear plants to split water more efficiently than conventional electrolysis, potentially lowering the cost of green hydrogen. This could help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, fertilizers, and heavy transport. The project is still in early stages, with pilot-scale demonstrations expected before commercial rollout. Key questions remain around cost competitiveness, safety integration, and the timeline for scaling up. If successful, it would give India a firm, low-carbon hydrogen source that does not depend on intermittent renewables like solar or wind. For carbon markets and climate policy, this matters because it adds a new supply option for clean hydrogen. It also raises questions about how nuclear-derived hydrogen should be certified and accounted for under existing green hydrogen standards.
