Nuclear-generated Pink Hydrogen generates discussions, potentially offering a significant role alongside the popular Green Hydrogen, as per CNBC.

In the quest for a sustainable future, the spotlight has turned towards hydrogen as a potential game-changer in the energy sector. Rachael Rothman, co-director of the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, underscores the importance of hydrogen production, stating that it doesn't occur naturally and must be manufactured.

Two key methods of low-carbon hydrogen production are gaining traction: green and pink hydrogen. Both offer the lowest carbon footprint and are considered essential for a cleaner energy transition. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and electrolysis, splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen. Pink hydrogen, on the other hand, uses nuclear energy for electrolysis, making it another low-carbon method of hydrogen production.

However, the majority of hydrogen production still relies on fossil fuels, with about 95% coming from steam methane reforming, a process known as 'grey' hydrogen, which has a significant carbon footprint. This is a concern, as Rothman emphasizes the ideal goal is to eliminate grey hydrogen due to its large carbon emissions.

The growing market for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to deliver economies of scale and "learning by doing", helping to reduce the costs of production. EDF Energy, a part of the multinational EDF Group, agrees and has identified the key challenge as bringing down the costs of low-carbon hydrogen production.

EDF Energy also proposes supportive policies to encourage investment in early hydrogen production projects and the switch from fossil fuels to low-carbon hydrogen. The company is one of the potential backers of pink hydrogen, considering its production at Sizewell C, a nuclear power station planned for the U.K.

Not everyone is convinced of hydrogen's potential. Elon Musk has expressed skepticism about hydrogen's usefulness. However, many believe hydrogen could help slash emissions in sectors like transportation and heavy industry.

The debate around hydrogen production methods is ongoing, with some questioning the classification system using colours (blue, grey, green, pink) for hydrogen production. Fiona Rayment, chief scientist at the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, emphasizes the need to embrace all sources of low-carbon hydrogen generation to replace reliance on fossil fuels.

Two companies leading the charge in pink hydrogen production are First Hydrogen from Canada and Oklo from the USA. First Hydrogen plans to couple small modular reactor (SMR) power with electrolysis for low-emission hydrogen, especially for off-grid and industrial sites. Oklo is developing advanced SMR technology with strategic partnerships aimed at commercial deployment.

Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source are undeniable. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the hydrogen revolution could play a crucial role in decarbonizing industries and powering a cleaner, greener world.

Nuclear-generated Pink Hydrogen generates discussions, potentially offering a significant role alongside the popular Green Hydrogen, as per CNBC.