Villagers in Cheshire will not be forced to take part in a hydrogen energy trial after backlash from residents.
This comes after the Government investigated locations for the UK's first "hydrogen village", which would involve potential conversion to 100% hydrogen heating, using the existing gas network and new appliances to adjust properties.
British Gas and Cadent had proposed to cut off gas supplied to up to 2,000 homes in the village of Whitby as part of plans to create a village in the UK fuelled solely by hydrogen.
After a consultation process, this has been withdrawn and companies are now communicating that villagers will be given the choice to adopt hydrogen or keep gas for their home energy.
Cadent's head of hydrogen consumer, Marc Clarke commented:
"Our new proposal means that you will have a choice to participate or not, and there will be two options to choose from. You can either choose to get involved with the hydrogen village programme, and help pave the way to a greener future. Or you can choose to stay on natural gas if you do not wish to participate."
A factsheet on the Government website also states that "Gas Distribution Network Operator delivering the trial will offer an attractive consumer offer for participants, as well as viable alternative options for consumers who do not wish to or cannot participate in the trial, such as electric cookers and heating systems".
Although hydrogen energy may be better for climate targets, those under the plans were concerned that hydrogen energy could lead to expensive costs if repairs were needed, as the technology is new and not widely supported.
Now that both hydrogen and gas are being offered together for the village, new gas mains will have to be fitted to supply local homes as the current supply mains will be used for hydrogen.
Those taking part will receive a £2,500 cash payment, and new hydrogen appliances will be fitted and maintained freely while the programme is active.
The Government factsheet outlines "consumers will not pay more to use hydrogen than they would for natural gas and will not be expected to pay for the installation and maintenance of hydrogen-capable appliances, or an alternative heating solution".
A decision on whether to use hydrogen in the gas network at a wider scale is due in 2026.
