Nuclear hydrogen prospects in MENA region with economic insights

The increasing demand for energy and environmental pollution have prompted a transition toward hydrogen production. Nuclear hydrogen, in particular, offers the potential for large-scale production while effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents the potential of nuclear hydrogen in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It begins by assessing the current status of nuclear energy and hydrogen generation plans across MENA countries. It also offers insights into the economic viability of nuclear hydrogen for several next-generation reactors through the Hydrogen Economic Evaluation Programme (HEEP). Additionally, it considers the front-end costs associated with potential uranium reserves in the region, as well as the economic sensitivity of various technical and fiscal parameters. Despite its potential, much of the MENA region faces challenges related to inadequate nuclear infrastructure and stalled development plans. The comparison of the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen Generation (LCHG) among various reactor technologies reveals that the most favorable scenario involves integrating the Advanced Pressurized Reactor (APR-1400) with Conventional Electrolysis (CE), compressed gas hydrogen storage, and vehicle transportation, yielding the lowest LCHG of $ 3.47 USD/kg H₂. Sensitivity analyses indicate that nuclear hydrogen production is highly vulnerable to fiscal parameters, particularly discount and interest rates. This review highlights the economic viability and potential of nuclear hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution in the MENA region.