The infrastructure needs to move more quickly
The UK government currently foresees a potential rollout of hydrogen-ready boilers from 2026. Hydrogen-ready boilers initially use natural gas but can be easily converted to use hydrogen as a fuel. Under current plans, the first hydrogen town could be supported with a hydrogen grid by 2030.
Karen Boswell said: “The infrastructure, in our view, will need to move even more quickly in order to get this market going.”
“Heat pumps will work in some buildings, heat networks in others but hydrogen represents a strong opportunity to solve this complex puzzle.
“If production is ramped up enough, there are no limits on the number of homes on the current gas grid that could be converted over to utilise hydrogen. This is a race in which every horse needs to be backed.”
Supporting the reskilling of installers
Baxi said that it would support the reskilling of installers who will help customers to make the right decisions about low-carbon technology as it is rolled out.
Two homes in Low Thornley, near Gateshead, are currently showcasing the use of hydrogen-fuelled appliances in a real-world setting and Baxi has invited housing providers and colleagues to see its boiler in action as part of the UK government’s Hy4Heat programme in Low Thornley near Gateshead. The boiler produces no greenhouse gases at the point of use.
Baxi’s parent company BDR Thermea Group showcased the world’s first hydrogen-powered high-efficiency domestic boiler back in 2019.
The H100 project aims to convert a community in Fife, Scotland from natural gas to Hydrogen next year.