Hydrogen considered for heating homes in UK; high cost compared to natural gas stopping progress; transition still said to be possible.
Here’s a post from Guardian that includes the following elements:
- Hydrogen is being touted as a potential solution for net-zero home heating.
- The gas industry is pushing hydrogen hard, but there is still much uncertainty around its use.
- Hydrogen is not a silver bullet and should not distract from other efforts to reach the 2050 energy target.
- The cost of producing hydrogen is currently high, but it could become more affordable in the future.
It is clear that there is a need for appliances that can use hydrogen for heating homes among other applications. But is progress being made here? How long must we wait for?
Here are some points to consider:
- Current Status: Some manufacturers are already developing hydrogen-ready boilers, such as Vaillant, which is preparing CE certification for a 20% hydrogen admixture in their appliances. They are also testing appliances for 100% hydrogen use.
- Long-Term Goals: The goal of using 100% hydrogen as a completely CO₂-free fuel is a long-term objective, likely to be achieved between 2030 and 2050. This will require significant investments in production capacities, pipeline and distribution networks, transport, and storage facilities.
- Costs and Timescales: The estimated costs and timescales for manufacturing suitable household and commercial appliances are uncertain due to the new components and materials required. However, the costs for manufacturing domestic and commercial appliances and fuel cells are being studied and will be presented in the future.
- Regulatory Frameworks: The UK government is considering making hydrogen-ready boilers mandatory from 2025. This would require significant changes in the gas grid infrastructure and appliance manufacturing processes. Similar regulations are also being made in other countries around the world as well.
In summary, while some hydrogen-ready appliances are already being developed, widespread adoption will likely take several years to decades, depending on the pace of technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and market demand.
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