What is the future of the Gas Industry?

In the summer of last year the UK become the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. This is a great first step towards a more natural world and certainly means changes for many different industries. When it comes to the world of Gas the government is working towards finding alternative options that are cleaner that the traditional Gas boilers that burn carbon-based fuel with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and steam. There are a few alternatives on the table, however, the most promising seems to be hydrogen-based. Currently, around 80% of homes in the country are heated using natural gas, which must start changing rapidly if we are to ever meet a net-zero target. Today, let's take a look at the alternative options being developed and tested and how the industry will change and adapt as a result...

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Demonstrative set-up of a Hydrogen boiler.

What is a Hydrogen Boiler?

A hydrogen boiler is simply a cleaner version of a traditional Gas boiler, using hydrogen will reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen would be used as an alternative to Natural Gas, LPG and oil; which all produce carbon dioxide as a by-product of the combustion that takes place. They would work in a similar way to existing boilers from a consumers point of view, the boiler would work and operate in the same way whilst being much cleaner.  They would be connected to the gas network, with fuel being delivered to the unit as and when heating and hot water is needed. There have been many suggestions as to how hydrogen can be produced as a fuel source, electrolysis, which involves splitting water into its constituent elements of oxygen and hydrogen is one option. Another suggested method is the use of electric heating systems, though the balance of the generation of electricity must be considered.

Is it ready to use?

Not quite yet, however, testing is going ahead in Northumberland at the Testing and Research facility, three homes have been specifically designed and built for a project called ‘HyStreet’, conducting safety testing for both H21 and the UK Government’s Hy4Heat programme. Boiler manufacturers Baxi Heating and Worcester Bosch recently installed hydrogen burning combi boilers into the houses, and they have been successfully providing heating and hot water. Test have also been conducted in other countries such as the Netherlands with success. So, there is no doubt that more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional boilers is coming, that will look, feel and whether it's hydrogen boilers or something better.

What does it mean for Gas Engineers?

Well, no need to panic. Even if trails go well, there will not be any real change until around 2025! Eventually of course those working in the industry will require some training on the new boilers, possibly through some sort of updated ACS assessment. Change is coming, in fact, beyond 2025 natural gas boilers are not allowed to be installed in newly built properties. Of course many people are still receiving highly efficient gas boilers through the Green Homes Grant and privately. In the future existing gas boilers will be part of new low-carbon systems, meaning they are still a good investment for many in the next few years!

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