HYDROGEN: ACTUAL MEANS OF PRODUCTION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS BASED ON NUCLEAR ENERGY.

Conversion of nuclear energy into a readily usable energy carrier by producing hydrogen from water is considered. The actual means of production of hydrogen as a chemical raw material are briefly described, viz. : steam reforming of natural gas, steam reforming of light hydrocarbons (naphtha), partial oxidation of heavy oils (residual oils) and gasification of coal. The long term options of primary energy sources for a country like the Federal Republic of Germany are indicated as follows: coal (at a fraction of 10-15%), non-nuclear and non-fossil energy at 10-15%), nuclear energy (70-80%). Processes for the production of hydrogen from nuclear energy - electrolysis, nuclear coal gasification and nuclear water splitting - are explained.