A new ‘Hello Hydrogen’ campaign has seen gas distribution networks, boiler manufacturers and energy suppliers work together to raise households’ awareness on reducing emissions.
Members of the group hope the information hub will teach people about new hydrogen-ready boilers and cookers that could be used to heat their homes in the future.
The switch from natural gas to hydrogen for home heating could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20m tonnes a year – equivalent to 12m cars – but industry leaders want clear guidance from the government that it remains committed to hydrogen as it steps up efforts to develop the necessary technology.
Producing hydrogen for homes in the UK could also create tens of thousands of jobs and
help the country avoid future cost of living crises by ending its reliance on natural gas from
overseas, the campaign says.
Hello Hydrogen representatives have said they want to highlight the ease in which homes will be able to install the new hydrogen-ready boilers like-for-like with old ones at the end of their life cycle.
Angela Needle, campaign director, said: “As people start to turn on their heating again, we think now is the perfect time to begin the conversation about how we will all heat our homes in the future.
“We want households to know that there will be numerous ways to warm up their radiators
or cook their dinner and hydrogen could be the right choice for them.
“For too long, consumers have only heard about expensive options that take up lots of
space, to make their homes greener. We want them to know other, more affordable,
choices will be available.”
“We now need the government to get behind our campaign and show real commitment to
a hydrogen future so the energy sector can start the huge investment needed to make it a
reality.This will boost the economy, create jobs in the UK, allow us to have control over our energy again and reduce carbon emissions.”
Victoria Billings, of Worcester Bosch UK, added: “The industry is coming together to build a hydrogen future that means household bills are no longer linked to global events.
“That’s why we’ve launched the Hello Hydrogen campaign to make sure consumers are
kept fully informed of the choices they have for the future of heating their homes.
“We want hydrogen-ready boilers to play their part in heating homes across the country,
knowing they will fit in the same place as traditional boilers and will cost the same price, but we need to know the Government are fully behind hydrogen as a choice for millions of
households.”