Hydrogen production associated to the treatment of nuclear waste

The exploitation of nuclear energy produces radioactive waste. However, many radioactive waste treatment processes can be adapted to generate hydrogen as a by-product, thereby helping to further decrease CO2 emissions through the use of hydrogen as an energy vector. Two examples are given: 1) the aggressive decontamination of metallic pieces, and 2) the electro-mediated oxidation of organic radioactive waste. Preliminary results obtained at the SCKxCEN in collaboration with the University of Liege indicate that hydrogen production can often be technically and economically combined with waste treatment, although the hydrogen production rate remains marginal with respect to large-scale water electrolysis. Further R and D work is needed in the field, but the resulting know-how would allow for an increase in the competitiveness of the electrolytic production of hydrogen in general (especially whenever membrane processes are being considered). (authors)