A summary of a study of 7 industrial sites to understand the safety, feasibility, cost and impacts for these sites to switch from natural gas to 100% hydrogen for heat.
Details
This is a summary report of a study which aimed to understand the safety, feasibility, cost and impacts for 7 industrial sites to switch from natural gas to 100% hydrogen for heating. The volunteer industrial sites:
are located away from industrial clusters
use natural gas to meet most of their energy demand
will likely be most impacted by decisions on the future of the natural gas grid
We have published the report in order to share its findings with other industrial sites and wider industry, in particular those considering hydrogen as an option for decarbonisation.
Note that:
some work was carried out on a non-hydrogen alternative energy source, but to a lesser level of detail and not to determine the optimal decarbonisation solution
the findings do not apply to other end user environments because of differences between these environments and the consumption of gas
The study was commissioned in 2022 by the former Department for Business and Energy, and undertaken by AECOM and their safety sub-contractor ESR.
The evidence will inform strategic decisions in 2026 on the role of low carbon hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas heating.
If you have enquiries about the work, or want to be kept informed / volunteer to engage with future similar work, email hydrogenheat_i_and_c@beis.gov.uk.
