Nuclear reactor technology could also be used to produce hydrogen The IMSR is said to be 50 percent more efficient than traditional reactors. Courtesy Terrestrial Energy. Canada-based Generation IV reactor developer Terrestrial Energy has signed an agreement with US-based KBR to investigate the use of the integral molten salt reactor (IMSR) for hydrogen and ammonia production.

Terrestrial Energy said that zero-emission thermal energy from IMSR nuclear cogeneration can be used in the production process of hydrogen and ammonia.

KBR supplies ammonia production technology to chemical manufacturers globally, the statement said.

According to Terrestrial Energy, KBR will support the development of “commercial frameworks” for the deployment and marketing of ammonia production technology using IMSR cogeneration.

Ammonia is among the world’s largest-volume synthetic chemicals and is vital to the fertiliser industry. It requires large volumes of heat and hydrogen in its production process.

The IMSR Generation IV nuclear plant operates at high temperatures (600-700°C) and is said to be 50 percent more efficient than traditional reactors. It uses a graphite moderator and standard assay low-enriched uranium fuel with the same level of enrichment – less than 5% U-235 – as conventional nuclear plants.

In addition, using a molten salt fuel and coolant allows the IMSR to incorporate inherent and passive safety features.

Terrestrial Energy expects to demonstrate its technology in North America by in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

Last week, the IMSR passed a first joint technical review by the nuclear regulatory authorities of Canada and the US.