Hydrogen heating: overview
Summary
DESNZ publishes an overview of hydrogen heating research, positioning it as a future option with limited role after heat pumps and heat networks lead decarbonisation. The H100 Fife trial supplies hydrogen to 300 homes through a parallel network, funded by SGN and gas network operators with Ofgem approval. Government will consult on hydrogen's heating role after completing its assessment.
Key facts
- •H100 Fife supplies 300 homes with green hydrogen from offshore wind electrolyser
- •New hydrogen network laid parallel to existing gas network
- •HSE completed safety assessment for 100% hydrogen heating
- •Government consultation on hydrogen heating role to follow assessment
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
The hydrogen heating overview explains the work carried out by government and industry to explore the potential role of hydrogen for heating. Heating our homes and workplaces with low carbon heat is one of the best things we can do to help combat climate change. The government already supports existing low carbon heat options like heat pumps and heat networks, which will be the primary means of decarbonisation. A programme of research, development and testing has been underway for several years on the feasibility, costs, and convenience of hydrogen heating and a significant body of evidence now exists. We will consult in due course on our assessment of whether hydrogen should have any role in heating our homes in the future. As hydrogen is not yet a proven technology for home heating, a role would come later and likely be limited. The H100 Fife neighbourhood trial Construction on H100 Fife is underway. It is being funded by SGN with contributions from its gas network partners Cadent, Northern Gas Networks ( NGN ), Wales and West Utilities, alongside the Scottish Government, and funds approved by Ofgem. H100 Fife will supply hydrogen to around 300 opted-in homes through a new network laid parallel with the existing natural gas network. The hydrogen used will be green, produced by an electrolyser powered by an offshore wind turbine. Find out more about H100 Fife . Safety Safety is fundamental. As with natural gas, if hydrogen were to play a role in heating home, measures would be needed to ensure that hydrogen is distributed and used in a safe way. The Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) has completed its assessment of safety evidence provided by gas networks and DESNZ for 100% hydrogen heating . HSE has separately assessed SGN’s site‑specific safety evidence for H100. The responsibility for safe management and the continuing effective control of hazards and risks remains a matter for SGN. HSE will maintain an ongoing role as independent regulator throughout the trial. Find more about the HSE ’s role on 100% hydrogen heating . Some of our research initiatives on hydrogen heating Future of hydrogen in industry: initial industrial site surveys Hydrogen Skills and Standards for Heat