Hydrogen-ready boilers may be a requirement in UK new builds from 2026, the government hinted as it announced new funding for clean energy innovations.
Announcing £102mln funding for new nuclear and hydrogen technology, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) outlined it was consulting on proposals to make all new domestic gas boilers sold hydrogen-ready by 2026.
“Set to become a super-fuel of the future, accelerating the use of hydrogen will be key to the UK’s greener energy future,” BEIS outlined.
British Gas, owned by Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA), is among energy companies planning to roll out hydrogen-ready boilers in the coming years, meaning they will be able to run on natural gas if and when hydrogen is phased in.
With compliant boilers only in the prototype stage and UK hydrogen production and network suitability still lacking, the transition is likely to take several years.
As part of the phasing process, a 20% hydrogen blend will initially be introduced into the UK’s gas supply by 2028, according to British Gas.
Alongside proposals for boilers, the government committed £25mln to hydrogen production from biomass and waste, as well as carbon removal technologies.
Funding of £77mln was also allocated to bolster nuclear fuel production and for research into new reactors, just weeks after the £700mln state investment into Sizewell C.