The UK’s first homes, which are to power their hobs and boilers with hydrogen, are to start being constructed in April this year. These homes are in Gateshead, an area that has been a focal point for hydrogen projects in recent times as part of HyDepoy.
Net-Zero by 2050?
Movings forwards the government hopes to create entire hydrogen-powered neighbourhoods, in a bid to help lower the carbon footprint of domestic heating, and become a net-zero carbon nation by 2050. Using fossil fuels such as gas for heating and cooking contributes around 30% of UK emissions. By contrast, burning hydrogen is emission-free, and so would represent a huge leap forwards in focusing on this 205 net-zero goal.
Some consider that using hydrogen in homes is not ideal. The cost and safety issues have both been discussed and continue to divide opinion.
Who Are HyDeploy?
HyDeploy is a project, which looks at understanding how hydrogen can be used to play a role in combating climate change. HyDeploy is one of a number of initiatives (which also includes Hy4Heat) focusing on hydrogen, which over a period of 2 years is looking at how blending up to 20% hydrogen into the natural gas network can reduce carbon dioxide, without needing to alter how we heat our homes.
HyDeploy is one of a number of hydrogen initiatives from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which also includes Hy4Heat.
HyDeploy – Hydrogen blending
Hy4Heat – Hydrogen end use
The Gateshead houses will run on tanks of regular hydrogen – referred to as “black” or “grey” hydrogen, made from hydrocarbons – provided on-site, as opposed to the local gas grid, which still uses fossil fuel gas. The first homes in the world to use green hydrogen through a local gas grid will be in Fife, Scotland and is planned to come to fruition by the end of 2022.
What About Hydrogen Gas Fires?
The government has already allocated significant amounts of money towards Hy4Heat. Hy4Heat is a study, which as a company we are actively involved in, is looking at a range of work packages, which will help establish the parameters for using hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas in our homes and also commercial premises.
In our Hy4Heat consortium, we are specifically looking at the viability of developing gas fires, which can safely run on hydrogen. We like to think being involved in such an exciting and forward-thinking study, demonstrates our commitment to decarbonising heat in the UK, and being at the forefront of fire development for the future.
For our range of current gas fires, please visit our gas fire section. Should you have any specific questions related to hydrogen gas fires, please get in touch. A member of our technical team will be able to assist with any questions you have.