India Starts Construction of Demo Plant for Hydrogen Production Using the Iodine-Sulphur (I-S) Process

India is making significant strides towards a hydrogen-powered future with the construction of a demonstration plant for hydrogen production using the Iodine-Sulphur (I-S) process. This pioneering project is being developed by the Heavy Water Board (HWB) in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The plant is located at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF) in RCF, Chembur, Mumbai.

The Iodine-Sulphur (I-S) process is a thermochemical cycle used to produce hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process involves three main chemical reactions, which are cyclic and allow the reuse of iodine and sulfur compounds. When coupled with nuclear energy, this technique offers an efficient and sustainable solution for hydrogen production. Hydrogen, with its high energy content and zero-emission combustion, has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels.

The groundbreaking ceremony for this first-of-its-kind facility was held on March 3, 2025, and was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and other esteemed dignitaries from BARC, RCF, and HWB.

This ambitious demonstration plant marks a crucial milestone in India's efforts to transition towards a hydrogen-powered energy landscape, contributing to the country's vision of achieving energy independence while reducing its carbon footprint.

With this ambitious demonstration plant, India joins the ranks of nations at the forefront of hydrogen energy innovation. The continued research and development in this field will contribute to the country’s vision of achieving energy independence while reducing its carbon footprint.

Several countries are exploring the Iodine-Sulphur (I-S) process for hydrogen production, leveraging its potential for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

In the United States, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been actively researching the I-S process as part of its Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) project. The goal is to develop advanced nuclear reactors that can provide the high temperatures required for the I-S process.

Japan has been a pioneer in hydrogen research and development. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has conducted extensive studies on the I-S process, aiming to integrate it with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) for efficient hydrogen production.

South Korea has also shown interest in the I-S process. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been working on developing thermochemical cycles, including the I-S process, to produce hydrogen using nuclear energy.