The UK government has revealed it’s long-awaited Hydrogen Strategy which includes £105m of funding and plans to replace natural gas in around 3 million homes by 2030. The strategy includes a ‘twin track’ approach to support both ‘green’ electrolytic and ‘blue’ carbon capture-enabled hydrogen production, and it is claimed that a hydrogen economy could create over 9000 jobs. As well as instigating a review of the support necessary for network and storage infrastructure, the government has said it will work with industry on the feasibility of mixing 20% hydrogen into the existing gas supply, and launch an action plan early next year on how to help companies secure supply chain opportunities.
The announcement has been welcomed by the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), describing it as a huge step in the right direction and something that the heating industry can rally behind.
“The Government’s commitment to hydrogen is a promising step, which will help to create thousands of jobs and decarbonise homes for millions of consumers with minimal disruption,” says EUA CEO Mike Foster. “We are enthused to see the government also recognise the role a hydrogen blend into the grid will play in reducing carbon emissions without homeowners needing to change appliances or boilers. It is of great importance that the transition to hydrogen does not cause disruption or large costs to consumers. The blend is a way to significantly reduce emissions with no change, which will in turn leave time for the groundwork to be laid for a seamless switch to 100% hydrogen later on.”
Speaking on behalf of Worcester Bosch, CEO Carl Arntzen says that the company is delighted to see the publication of the much anticipated paper: “Like many in the heating industry, we have been waiting in anticipation for this strategy to be released, to give some valuable clarity and indication of the support for the future of hydrogen. It is clear from today’s announcement that the trials and research in this area have helped open the route for a hydrogen future, to which we are excited to keep exploring.”
The plans are also supported by Cadent, which operates and maintains the largest natural gas distribution network. Dr Tony Balance, the company’s chief strategy & regulation office, says: “We’re particularly supportive of the plans to introduce the blending of hydrogen into the wider gas network. It’s a logical, low risk key stepping stone that requires no new technology or behaviour changes from households; will stimulate millions of pounds of investment into hydrogen production; and will save carbon emissions equivalent to removing 2.5m cars from our roads.”
