Nuclear Production of Hydrogen as an Appropriate Technology

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) recognized the need to balance growth of industrial development with consideration of its effect on the environment. One of the major factors under NEPA consideration is appropriate technology with respect to use of appropriate energy resources for large-scale generation of electricity and transportation fuel. To reduce dependence on petroleum-based transportation fuels, some combination of renewable and nuclear energy will be required for a sustainable electricity and fuel supply. Specific energy of available fuels is a useful parameter for selecting the appropriate technologies for large-scale applications. At least three methods are available for producing hydrogen fuel with nuclear technology.