First Hydrogen Announces Strategic Collaboration with Renewable Thermal Laboratory at the University of Alberta to Advance Nuclear SMR Technology
- Strategic partnership with University of Alberta enhances R&D capabilities in SMR technology
- Focus on molten salt technology offers improved safety and efficiency features for nuclear operations
- Positioning to address growing energy demand from AI data centers, projected to require $5.2 trillion in global investments by 2030
- Integration of SMR technology could provide stable and cost-effective green hydrogen production
- Early-stage research collaboration with no immediate revenue impact
- Significant capital requirements and regulatory hurdles expected for SMR development
- Competition from established nuclear and renewable energy players in the SMR space
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2025) - First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) ("FIRST HYDROGEN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Professor Muhammad Taha Manzoor from the University of Alberta aimed at advancing Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) technology, specifically focusing on fuel reactor materials and reactor design optimization taking into consideration the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres as they consume up 10 times more power than normal data centres (Ithy - Comparative Power Consumption of AI Servers and Normal Servers in Data Centers). The project will take into consideration the surge in AI data centres and energy needs worldwide. The project will be led by Dr. Manzoor, an expert in molten salt thermal-hydraulics and lead at the Renewable Thermal Laboratory that has projects ranging from thermal energy storage to small modular nuclear reactors.
Molten salt, as a coolant and nuclear fuel, is the future of nuclear energy due its:
| Safety | - | if the salt overheats, it naturally expands and makes the fission reaction less effective which will shut down the reactor. |
| Efficiency | - | molten salt reactor cores can change its power level to match heat removal for electricity production. |
| Flexibility | - | can be used with uranium, plutonium and thorium |
| Source: Idaho National Laboratory https://inl.gov/how-molten-salt-could-be-the-lifeblood-of-tomorrows-nuclear-energy/ | ||
This collaboration aligns with First Hydrogen's mission to pioneer sustainable, efficient, and safe energy solutions, leveraging nuclear technology to produce green hydrogen and support global decarbonization objectives. First Hydrogen seeks to integrate advanced nuclear technology with green hydrogen production. SMRs, known for their compact design, scalability, and ability to provide a continuous, weather-independent power supply, are the cornerstone of this initiative. By leveraging SMRs, First Hydrogen ensures a stable, cost-effective, and efficient process for producing green hydrogen, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions worldwide.
The International Energy Agency reported artificial intelligence from data centres will drive electricity demand. By 2030, electricity demand from data centres worldwide is expected to more than double to 945 terawatt hours, more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today. (https://www.iea.org/news/ai-is-set-to-drive-surging-electricity-demand-from-data-centres-while-offering-the-potential-to-transform-how-the-energy-sector-works)
According to McKinsey and Company, the AI book is driving significant investment in data centres. Their research indications that approximately
Dr. Manzoor commented, "We are excited to collaborate with First Hydrogen on molten salt small modular nuclear reactor research. The signing of this letter of support marks an important first step in what promises to be a series of significant milestones in advancing SMR technology in Canada. This industry-led project will provide students with valuable hands-on experience and help train the next generation of engineers and scientists who will contribute to the growth and diversification of Canada's energy sector."
Balraj Mann, CEO of First Hydrogen, stated, "We are excited to collaborate with the University of Alberta, leveraging their expertise in nuclear research to significantly advance nuclear fuels for SMRs. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation in clean energy solutions that will play a critical role in transitioning toward a zero-emission future."
About First Nuclear Corp. (FirstNuclear.com)
First Hydrogen Corp. is committed to developing and commercializing advanced clean energy solutions, including green hydrogen produced by state-of-the-art Small Modular Reactors. The Company aims to provide scalable, sustainable, and economically viable alternatives to meet global climate goals and enhance energy security.
About First Hydrogen Corp. (FirstHydrogen.com)
First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver, Montreal, Germany and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution. The Company has designed and built two hydrogen- fuel-cell-powered light commercial vehicles ("FCEV"). The FCEV are road-legal in the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) with 6,000 km of testing completed and have achieved a range of 630+ kilometres on a single refueling. The vehicles have successfully been trialled in real-world conditions with fleet operators in the United Kingdom.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of
FIRST HYDROGEN CORP.
"Balraj Mann"
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Contact:
Balraj Mann
First Hydrogen Corp.
604-601-2018
investors@firsthydrogen.com
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The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of First Hydrogen as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. First Hydrogen undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
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FAQ
What is the purpose of First Hydrogen's collaboration with the University of Alberta?
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Who is leading the SMR research project at the University of Alberta?
