A new government Hydrogen Strategy paper has drawn reaction from heating industry bodies and brands.
The paper, release by BEIS this morning, included plans for a “world-leading hydrogen economy” creating 9,000 jobs and £4bn investment.
Recent hydrogen ready boiler trials will help inform a UK government decision in 2026 on the role of hydrogen in decarbonising heat, and “if a positive case is established”, hydrogen could be playing a significant role in heating people’s homes and businesses by 2035, BEIS stated.
Mike Foster, CEO at Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), said: “The UK’s Hydrogen Strategy represents a huge step in the right direction for the introduction of the technology, something the heating industry is rallying behind in the decarbonisation process.
“We are enthused to see the Government also recognise the role a hydrogen blend into the grid will play in reducing carbon emissions without homeowners needing to change appliances or boilers. It is of great importance that the transition to hydrogen does not cause disruption or large costs to consumers. The blend is a way to significantly reduce emissions with no change, which will in turn leave time for the groundwork to be laid for a seamless switch to 100% hydrogen later on.
“Giving consumers choice when it comes to low carbon heating is vital to ensuring all buildings can be suitably decarbonised to hit targets set out by government. Research conducted in our recent report Too Close To Home revealed 72% of homeowners supported efforts of UK manufacturers to develop low carbon gas boilers, such as hydrogen boilers.”
However, Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, responded to the publication with concern.
He said: “MCS does not believe green hydrogen is the solution for heating our homes. Though, we do support the strategic use of green hydrogen in the hard to decarbonise sectors such as transport, shipping, heavy industry and aviation.
“It’s concerning that the strategy cites ambition that hydrogen could replace natural gas in powering around 3 million UK homes – this won’t be feasible until costs can be significantly reduced below that of natural gas prices today.
“Using green hydrogen to heat our homes is up to five times more expensive than current natural gas prices, and up to seven times less efficient than using renewable energy to power a heat pump.
“Given the current lack of supporting infrastructure and carbon capture, usage and storage facilities, plus the ultimate cost to consumers of adopting a hydrogen-based strategy, we would urge government to reconsider.”
Carl Arntzen, CEO of hydrogen ready boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch, said: “We are delighted to see the publication of the much-awaited Hydrogen Strategy paper, like many in the heating industry, we have been waiting in anticipation for this strategy to be released, to give some valuable clarity and indication of the support for the future of hydrogen.
“It is clear from today’s announcement that the trials and research in this area have helped open the route for a hydrogen future, to which we are excited to keep exploring.
“With that in mind, we are optimistic that we will see hydrogen-ready boilers, such as the one from Worcester Bosch, feature prominently in this Autumn’s Heat and Buildings Strategy particularly following the recent price-promise made by the four leading boiler manufacturers.”