The UK is committed to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 80% by 2050.
Over 80% of UK homes are heated by gas, with heat accounting for around one third of UK CO2 emissions. Progress has been made to decarbonise electricity, but very little on decarbonising heat.
Although the gas network already delivers some green gases, like biomethane, further research is needed to understand the potential of other zero or low carbon gases to meet heat demand.
HyDeploy is one of a number of research projects investigating the potential of hydrogen to help meet this challenge.
Many experts see hydrogen as an adaptable alternative to fossil fuels. This is because when hydrogen is burned it doesn’t produce CO2, just water and heat; meaning it offers a way to deliver low carbon energy.
Hydrogen (up to 20%) blended with natural gas has the potential to be delivered and used in the same as normal gas and reduce carbon emissions.