In response to the publication of the Heat and Building Strategy, Mark Horsley, CEO at Northern Gas Networks said
“The scale and the complexity of the challenge to decarbonise heat should not be underestimated and a range of green energy solutions need to be deployed to meet the Net Zero target and ensure a fair energy transition for everyone.
“Whilst heat pumps, which run on electricity can be a great choice for newer, well insulated properties, it’s vital to acknowledge that clean burning hydrogen gas is needed to meet the country’s energy demand and keep everyone warm on a cold winter’s day.
“We support a multi-fuel approach, including heat pumps and hydrogen ready boilers, to provide our customers with a resilient, clean energy system which provides choice and real value for money.
“We know that millions of homes in the UK are poorly insulated, with energy efficiency ratings of older properties typically well below today’s standards. Heat pumps in these properties are less efficient without significant energy efficiency improvements, which ultimately adds huge cost to the homeowner.
“We are very proud to be working with the Government towards the hydrogen targets set out in its strategy. We are currently hosting the first hydrogen blending pilot for nearly 700 homes on a public gas network at Winlaton near Gateshead and are leading the H21 project which is exploring the work needed to ensure conversion to a hydrogen network which is as safe and resilient at today’s natural gas network.
“Our Hydrogen Home, built this year in partnership with Cadent and UK Government is demonstrating 100% hydrogen appliances, including boilers, fires and cookers from leading UK manufacturers. These appliances look and feel just like today’s natural gas versions and work in the same way as they use existing pipework and radiators, but the big difference is they don’t produce any carbon at point of use. The homes, which are open to the public, show that our homes can be converted to low carbon heating with limited cost and disruption.
“The UK’s gas network is a unique asset and one that is central to decarbonisation not just of home heating, but for heavy industry and transport. Unlocking the potential of our existing energy infrastructure, by converting the network to 100% hydrogen, will provide the backbone for the decarbonisation of some of the country’s biggest carbon contributors, creating a 21st Century green pipeline that will be fit for the future and position the UK as a world leader in the net zero energy transition.“
