Hydrogen
Whilst decarbonisation measures that were outlined in the 10-point plan are revisited in further detail, the paper also outlines a range of funding packages to help consumers to reduce both bills and carbon emissions as well as setting out plans for job creation, including support for those making the transition from traditional gas and oil industries.
It looks like the writing is on the wall for natural gas boilers following the prime minister’s announced intention to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. Such an ambitious target cannot be tackled with heat pumps alone, so how to plug the gap?
The site has been used to complete more than 200 tests, researching and proving the safety of converting homes and gas networks to hydrogen.
The Government’s commendable plan to install 600,000 per year by 2028 has come under fire from both OFTEC and the Gas User Organisation, who have highlighted significant cost disparities between heat pumps and traditional technologies, along with confusion over what constitutes a ‘zero carbon ready’ home. Andrew Newman, technical director of the Gas Users Organisation, explains:
“There are positive commitments in the 10-point plan towards future use of hydrogen as a green gas, and we need more clarity from the Westminster government that hydrogen-ready gas boilers are considered to be a ‘zero carbon ready’ option, as they should be, and therefore permissible in new builds after 2025. Gas central heating is incredibly popular with customers, because it is clean, convenient and relatively cheap. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation that shows that homes that lack a connection to the gas grid are more likely to be in fuel poverty.”
Leading boiler manufacturer, Baxi Heating UK and Ireland, part of BDR Thermea Group, has promised to revolutionise the way we heat our homes and buildings. The announcement coincides with the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution and places Baxi Heating at the heart of the ‘heating transformation’ that is required to achieve the UK’s climate targets.
The Future Fuels & Hydrogen Economy Virtual Conference is taking place 9 – 10 November 2020. Explore the fundamentals around future fuels on the market from the industry’s leading experts.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government invited comments on plans to reduce emissions from new homes built after 2025. The frontpage proposal is aimed at replacing gas boiler connections with heat pumps, heat networks and direct electric heating.
