The Transition to Hydrogen Boilers in the UK

In the push to be carbon neutral in the UK, there are a variety of plans in the works to transition to hydrogen boilers and other no or low carbon options such as heat pumps. While this is still in the beta testing stage, here’s a summary of what we know so far, and how it might impact our clients.

What is a hydrogen boiler?

A hydrogen boiler works very similarly to a normal gas boiler. By way of combustion, the fuel source is burned to create hot gases which heat your water. The main difference is the fact that the by-product of gas combustion is CO2, which isn’t great for the environment; whereas the by-product of hydrogen combustion is simply water.

What does a transition to hydrogen look like?

Don’t panic, the government will not require you to replace your current boiler. The plans, if the initial testing works well, look something this:

• The 4 main suppliers of boilers in the UK (Vaillant, Baxi, Worcester – Boscht and Ideal) are working on prototypes for hydrogen ready boilers, and these should be available in the next couple of years. There are already hydrogen blend ready boilers available for this transition period.
  
• There will be a transition period where a blend of gas and hydrogen will be pumped through the mains. These hydrogen blend boilers reduce the carbon footprint a little, while the lifecycle of the old style boilers to phase out.
  
• From a certain date in the future (anywhere from 2030-2040) the supply will switch fully to hydrogen. Alongside other heat sources like heat pumps and sustainable electric options.

What does this mean for me?

If you have a new gas boiler, don’t worry, the lifecycle of these will be accommodated. But if you get a new boiler after 2025, you will likely either get a hydrogen blend boiler; or if they are ready, a full hydrogen ready boiler. The manufacturers have promised to make these no more expensive than current gas boilers.