The Biden administration finalized rules meant to boost domestic production of hydrogen fuel through a new tax credit, a move that might also keep struggling nuclear power plants on line for longer.

The new regulations allow nuclear power and natural gas producers to qualify for significant credits aimed at hydrogen production.

The US’ 45V hydrogen tax credit is among the most – if not the most – generous incentives for hydrogen production in the world, according to industry experts.

The Biden administration said on Friday portions of nuclear power plants will be able to secure tax credits to produce clean hydrogen if the credits help to prevent reactors from retiring.

A number of nuclear energy providers and generators — including Oklo (OKLO), NuScale Power (SMR), and Nano Nuclear Energy (NNE) — are seeing their shares take off after the Biden administration eased their tax credit rules for clean hydrogen producers.

The final rule for clean-hydrogen production would allow some nuclear power plants that are at risk of retirement to produce the gas.

Plug Power shares surged for a second straight session on new tax credit rules for clean hydrogen production. Last week, the Treasury Department issued the final rules for the tax credits spelled out in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Incoming Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) says her party may not spare hydrogen tax credits crafted by Democrats. Francis Chung/POLITICO Democrats and their allies welcomed the Treasury Department’s final guidance,