Scientists and technicians at Keele University campus have trialled a greener mix of gas by blending it with 20% hydrogen which produces less CO2 when burning during heating and cooking.
Currently, burning natural gas that is used for heating and cooking produces about a third of UK greenhouse gas emissions. However, hydrogen, which has similar properties to natural gas, burns with only one product - water, which is safe for the climate. It is produced in an electrolyser, which splits water into its constituents - hydrogen and oxygen. The idea is to provide a greener source of hydrogen using surplus energy from renewable resources which would power the electrolysis.
This project, known as HyDeploy is the UK's first live trial of hydrogen in a modern gas network. The Stoke-on-Trent university was the best trial site as it has a private gas system. And the 20% proportion was chosen because it provides an optimal blend which won't affect gas pipes and appliances. The canteen workers who used the hydrogen blend for cooking reported no difference in their cooking regime.
Currently, the UK produces only a small amount of hydrogen, however increasing the production would offer a quick way of cutting emissions from heating. Also, boiler manufacturers are already preparing and producing prototypes for the new appliances to be "hydrogen-ready" which could work with gas and hydrogen blend as well as convert the boiler to 100% hydrogen, following a visit by a gas engineer to adjust the appliance.
There are also calls from the manufacturers of gas appliances for the Government to stipulate that by 2025 all new boilers on sale are to be hydrogen-ready, which would allow householders to painlessly switch to clean boilers with very little extra cost.
