Hydrogen Ready Boiler - Zero Carbon future hopes

There are several trials underway, or about to take place, across the UK as the country continues to cement its position as a leader in this technology. These trials can be split into two types: blended and 100%hydrogen. We are proud to be involved in the majority of them.

The industry is working towards a mandate for all boilers to be hydrogen-ready from the mid 2020s.

Blended trials are a mix of hydrogen and natural gas and these are well underway. one such trials was keele university, where around 150 boilers have been running up to a 20% hydrogen blend. This is nearing completion and there have been no issues with heating systems or cooking appliances.

Keele is more of a managed trial with engineering and professionals located on-site. However, as a sign hydrogen is becoming more established, the next trial consists of 670 occupied homes in winlaton, Gateshed. These homes will be converted to a 20% / 80% hydrogen / natural gas blend initially foe 10 months. This is a significant step, as it shows how there is more confidence in the technology as it is considered safe to test in the domestic market.

Another trial is the HY4Heat program which includes 100% hydrogen boilers running in specially-built demonstration houses at a test site in Northumberland. The site has already completed over 200 tests, researching and proving the safety of converting homes and gas networks to hydrogen.

Hy4Heat has also seen our hydrogen boiler commissioned at the semi-detached house built especially for the hydrogen economy in Gateshead. The project has heating, hot water cooking and gas fires situated in purpose-built properties. The hydrogen Houses project opened in April and is yet another exciting proof-point of the UK's commitments to the future gas fuel.

There is a 300-home trial in Fife which should have seen its show home open in April. in around 2022 the remainder will be converted to hydrogen from natural gas to run the appliances.

Finally, there is HyNet in the North West of England, which although not specific to boilers, does include heating homes as one of its key focuses. This is alongside hydrogen production, transportation and manufacturing.

All trials are working towards one goal: gathering and building evidence, as well as confirming what we know already, to help increase confidence in hydrogen as a technology. all will help form government policy in this area.

We know the boilers work on 100% hydrogen from our own research and we're hopeful that the numerous trials will help provide more evidence to confirm this.

Ultimately, the industry is working towards the mandate for all boilers to be hydrogen-ready from the mid 2020s- something that will put us well on our way for our net zero targets. These many trials across the UK will help us achieve our objectives.