The world is rapidly moving towards cleaner energy and reducing carbon emissions from heating systems is becoming more and more important. One technology that shows real promise in this area is hydrogen-ready boilers. These could play a big part in heating large facilities more sustainably in the future. While hydrogen isn’t quite ready for mainstream use just yet, these boilers offer a practical way to prepare for that greener future.
So, how do hydrogen-ready boilers work, and when should facilities managers start thinking about them?
What are hydrogen-ready boilers?
Hydrogen-ready boilers are heating systems that can run on natural gas today but can switch over to hydrogen when it becomes more widely available. Think of them as a heating option that’s good for now but set up for a future when hydrogen is more common.
Currently, boilers like the ones made by Baxi can operate on a mix of natural gas and up to 20% hydrogen. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s a step in the right direction. The goal is for these boilers to eventually run entirely on hydrogen, which would eliminate carbon emissions from heating. Instead of releasing CO2, burning hydrogen only produces water vapor and some nitrogen oxides (NOx), though work is being done to reduce those emissions too.
Why hydrogen instead of electric heating?
A big part of the push to lower carbon emissions has been the shift towards electric heating solutions, like heat pumps. But switching everything to electric isn’t always the best or most practical solution. This is especially true for large facilities like hospitals, factories, or big residential complexes that have a huge and constant need for heat. If everyone moved to electric heating at once, it could overload the power grid.
That’s where hydrogen-ready boilers could be the solution. Since they don’t rely on electricity, they won’t add extra strain to the grid. This makes them a great option for larger buildings with big heating demands, where going all-electric might not be feasible. Instead of putting all your energy solutions into one basket, using a mix of electric heating and hydrogen-ready boilers could be a smarter, more balanced way forward.
Baxi’s pilot project
Baxi is making exciting strides in hydrogen boiler technology, with a 100% hydrogen boiler in a custom-built test house in Low Thornley, near Gateshead. This is part of the UK’s first hydrogen house, which is showing how hydrogen could heat homes in the future.
While trials were initially planned for Redcar and Ellesmere Port in 2024, they’ve now been pushed back to 2026. In the meantime, Baxi’s real-world testing continues, showing that hydrogen heating isn’t just a distant idea — it’s being tested right now in real conditions.
The goal is to make switching to hydrogen as smooth as possible. Instead of needing to replace entire heating systems, buildings with hydrogen-ready boilers will be able to switch to hydrogen once it becomes available. This kind of forward-thinking makes the transition to greener energy much simpler.
What are the challenges of hydrogen boilers?
While hydrogen-ready boilers sound promising, there are still a few challenges that need to be addressed before they become mainstream. One big issue is how we produce hydrogen. Right now, most hydrogen is made using fossil fuels, which isn’t exactly green. The goal is to produce “green hydrogen” by using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen (a process called electrolysis). The catch? This process takes a lot of electricity and costs can add up fast.
So, while the boilers themselves won’t overload the power grid, producing enough green hydrogen to run them on a large scale will require a big increase in renewable energy sources. That’s why it’s going to take time before hydrogen is widely available for heating.
There’s also the issue of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Hydrogen combustion doesn’t produce CO2, which is great, but it does create NOx, which can contribute to air pollution. Engineers are working on reducing these emissions, but it’s something that still needs to be tackled to make hydrogen a truly clean energy option.
Mixing hydrogen with other solutions
Given these challenges, hydrogen likely won’t be the only solution for decarbonising heating systems. Instead, a combination of different energy options might be the best way forward. In large facilities or housing developments, for instance, heat pumps could be used in areas where the heating demand isn’t too high, while hydrogen-ready boilers could handle spaces that require more intensive or consistent heating. This kind of hybrid approach would spread the energy load, easing pressure on the electricity grid while still cutting emissions.
When should you start thinking about hydrogen-ready boilers?
If you’re managing a facility or developing a new housing project, you might be wondering when the right time is to start thinking about hydrogen-ready boilers. The answer really depends on your long-term goals. If you’re planning a major heating upgrade in the near future, it could be a smart move to look into hydrogen-ready systems now. This allows you to run on natural gas for the time being but positions you to switch to hydrogen when it becomes more accessible.
It’s also important to think about how hydrogen-ready boilers fit into a broader energy strategy. Rather than relying on a single solution, consider combining them with other green technologies like heat pumps or renewable energy sources to create a more efficient, sustainable heating system.
Contact our friendly team today to find out more about commercial heating solutions designed specifically for your buildings.
