Hydrogen Heat: Could It Be the Future of Home Heating?
The use of hydrogen to heat homes is becoming an increasingly prominent topic in energy and climate discussions. With the UK’s net zero targets fast approaching, policymakers, researchers and industry professionals are exploring whether hydrogen could play a meaningful role in decarbonising domestic heating systems.
How Hydrogen Fuel is Made and Used
Hydrogen is emerging as an alternative low-carbon energy source, complementing its traditional role in the production of ammonia and methanol. In recent years, it has attracted growing interest as a potential fuel for heating, transport, and power generation.
While hydrogen offers decarbonisation benefits, some experts argue it is too expensive and inefficient, particularly when compared to alternatives such as heat pumps. Hydrogen can be classified into a range of different colours dependent on how it is made. For hydrogen to be a viable solution for low-carbon heating, it must be produced using cleaner methods that minimise environmental impact. These include:
Unfortunately, the majority of hydrogen currently produced is Grey Hydrogen, which is created from fossil fuels without capturing the carbon emissions. As the carbon dioxide is released directly into the atmosphere, this method remains highly damaging to the environment.
For a full breakdown on the various types of hydrogen, click here >
Recent Developments in Hydrogen Policy
In June 2023, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) released a progress report on the UK’s emissions reductions, which included 58 recommendations. Among them was a proposal to explore large-scale hydrogen production in Wales to support the UK Government’s hydrogen strategy.
The Welsh Government accepted this recommendation, acknowledging hydrogen’s potential role in the decarbonisation of the Welsh energy system. The Future Energy Grids for Wales report suggests hydrogen could play a part from 2030 onwards in helping the country reach its 2050 net zero targets.
Additionally, a Welsh Government consultation has outlined a proposed hydrogen policy, covering production, storage, and distribution. The policy also emphasised that investment in hydrogen must not come at the expense of other proven low-carbon technologies or extend reliance on fossil fuels.
Read more on the Welsh Government’s position: Hydrogen Policy | GOV.WALES
Why is hydrogen being considered as a fuel for heating?
Hydrogen is being explored as a way to decarbonise home heating and potentially reduce household energy bills. If implemented sustainably, hydrogen heating could benefit homeowners, utility providers, and national governments by:
- Reducing carbon emissions from domestic heating.
- Supporting national net zero targets.
- Helping transition existing gas infrastructure toward cleaner energy sources.
From a climate perspective, hydrogen is attractive because it is the most abundant element in the universe and, when burned, it releases only water vapour unlike fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide.
Is hydrogen being used to heat homes yet?
At present, hydrogen is not widely used to heat homes. However, progress is being made:
- Technologies such as hydrogen-ready boilers are already in development.
- Trials are underway to assess the safety and performance of hydrogen-based heating.
- More research is needed to determine how existing gas networks can be adapted to safely carry hydrogen.
While the concept is promising, widespread implementation will depend on resolving challenges related to infrastructure, production scale, and cost.
Should Hydrogen Be Part of the Heating Solution?
As we work toward a low-carbon future, hydrogen represents a potential solution but not without complications. Ongoing trials, infrastructure developments, and government strategies will determine whether hydrogen can play a practical role in domestic heating.
What’s your view? Should hydrogen continue to be explored as a heating solution for UK homes?