Hydrogen has been labelled a ‘credible option’ for the UK to achieve low-carbon targets by 2050 but the government needs to be commit soon, a new report has said.
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report, Hydrogen in a Low Carbon Economy, makes clear the importance of switching to hydrogen from natural gas or the UK will risk missing emission targets.
Natural gas boilers are installed in the vast majority of homes across the UK, with the report saying that the public is largely unaware of the alternatives.
It’s been suggested that installing hybrid heat pumps as part of a natural gas heating system in the short-term, could then pave the way for boilers that use hydrogen.
Chairman of the CCC, Lord Deben, has said that what happens next depends on the government: “The future now rests on government making a quick decision and fully committing to low-carbon heat within the next three years. This is important to achieving the existing 2050 emissions target, but even more important as we consider whether it is possible for the UK to reach ‘net-zero’ emissions in the future.
“The time for the Government to move from theory to practice has arrived.”
What is a Hybrid Heat Pump?
Heat pumps generate heat for your home using renewable energy, there are 2 types of heat pump available:
Combine a heat pump with a traditional heating system (your boiler) and you have a hybrid heat pump. A hybrid system will switch between the 2 sources of energy depending on which is the most efficient at that point in time. For example, if the demand for heating is fairly low then the system will probably use the heat pump but during the cold winter months the boiler will be needed to meet the higher demand.
Benefits of Renewable Heating Technology
Switching to renewable energy can not only lower your carbon footprint but help to reduce your energy bills too. You could also receive quarterly payments through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for 7 years after the installation.
Who are the CCC?
The Committee on Climate Change advises the government on emissions targets and frequently publishes reports about the progress being made in reducing greenhouse emissions.
The body was established under the Climate Change Act 2008, which highlights how the UK will tackle climate change.
What are the UK’s Climate Change Targets?
Commitments have been made by the UK government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 (based on 1990 levels).
