Hydrogen Gas Boilers - The Future of Central Heating?

Hydrogen Gas Boilers - The Future of Central Heating?

As you may know by now, the government has put a target on emissions to create a net zero carbons emission United Kingdom by the year 2050. To achieve this, many industries and the way they work will need to be overhauled. This includes the heating and plumbing industry. This is to help support climate change initiatives and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). However, this is not the first time the UK has been through a major change like this. Back in 1960's/1970's, the UK underwent a nationwide programme to convert 40m appliances from 'town gas' to natural gas over a decade. We know it is doable but how can we as an industry help? Let's find out more about hydrogen gas boilers and how they could be the future for central heating.  

The facts.

In the UK, heating our homes is responsible for between a quarter and a third of GHG emissions. About 85% of homes are using gas-fired central heating, and a large proportion of gas cookers are still in place. Making this system greener will be a huge task. However, many people are suggesting that a change from using natural gas to hydrogen gas could be a solution.   A special report written by The International Energy Agency, has suggested that natural gas boilers should cease manufacture and sales after 2025. That is less than four years away. In order to meet this target, the IEA says that fossil fuel boilers should no longer be sold. However, with some big brands already making progress with the production of hydrogen boilers, the task doesn’t seem quite as daunting.  

Are Hydrogen Gas Boilers the Future of your Central Heating System?

So, what could possibly replace the production of gas boilers? Some gas boilers and combi boilers are already classified as hydrogen-ready boilers, and therefore would be environmentally sound to produce. There would be little impact on the homeowner if we were to make the change. Homeowners shouldn't notice a difference once the gas source is replaced. The only by product of burning hydrogen fuel is water, so is a completely carbon free energy source. The waste water may be able to be repurposed in some sense.   Another option would be renewable energy sources such as solar panels to heat up the water in people’s homes directly. This would involve planning and infrastructure and seems unlikely within the British Isles and may be unpopular with homeowners. Whilst solar energy is already being utilised in the UK, with the ever-changeable weather, a complete reliance may be out of reach. But not impossible.  

Going Green.

One positive that could make the plans accessible to more people, is the proposed drop in the price of hydrogen. Bloomberg has reported recently that the cost of ‘green’ hydrogen could become cheaper than natural gas by 2050. Green hydrogen is derived from renewables and blue hydrogen comes from fossil fuels. Currently hydrogen that comes from fossil fuels is generally cheaper than those that come from renewables, but the Bloomberg report shows that it may fall faster than previously expected at up to 85% by 2050. This should make it accessible to more than ever previously considered.   If you are in the market for a new boiler or a new heating system and are looking to reduce your own personal carbon footprint you might want to look at hydrogen heating. Soon, hydrogen heating systems may have a big influence on the central heating marketplace and may provide a low carbon alternative to UK homes in the future. Many of our top brands already making moves to a greener future with hydrogen ready boilers. We at Mr Central Heating, are ready for whatever the future brings us. Are you?     Join us over on Pinterest to find more helpful information about going green at home.