Posted on 19 Dec 2022
The UK plans to mandate that from 2026 all newly-installed gas boilers are hydrogen-ready, as it prepares for the transition to low-carbon domestic heating, Kallanish reports.
The government is seeking views from consumers, installers, manufacturers and wider industry through a public consultation to assess potential impact. The process will also consult on proposals to improve boiler and heating system efficiency through improvements to minimum standards and the potential role of gas boiler-electric heat pump hybrids in heat decarbonisation in the 2020s and 2030s. The consultation closes on 21 March.
Earlier, the government had confirmed that it intends to have all new heating systems installed in UK homes should be able to run on low-carbon fuels or be low-carbon ready from 2035.
“We believe that hydrogen may have the potential to offer a strategic option for decarbonising heat in buildings. As it is not yet an established technology, further assessment is needed of the technical feasibility, costs, benefits and other impacts ahead of strategic decisions in 2026 on the role of low carbon hydrogen in heating,” the government explains. “Subject to those decisions, any deployment by 2030 is likely to be focused on a town pilot, with further expansion beyond 2030. Additionally, work continues to assess and develop the role of gas blending and hydrogen storage in balancing supply and demand in the early development of the market."
The government has called the gas distributors in the country to submit their proposals for pilot town projects and the early deployment of hydrogen heating. The deadline for these proposals is 20 January. Cadent and NGN are developing detailed plans for the proposed village trial, so that the government can decide on whether to proceed with the trial and in which location. A decision is expected in 2023 and is likely to meet mixed reactions from residents affected.
A decision on hydrogen blending (up to 20%) in Great Britain’s gas distribution networks is also slated for next year. The government says it’s building the necessary evidence to determine whether blending meets the required safety standards, is feasible, and represents good value for the money. It’s set to respond to a public consultation on the matter in Q2 2023.
Source:Kallanish
