Hydrogen Blending: A Promising Stepping Stone to Net Zero?

Following Brazil’s approval of an exploratory oil licence at a site just 1,000km north of COP30, and the release of a Stockholm Energy Institute (SEI) report revealing that governments across the world have made plans to extract over double the volume of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with the Paris Agreements’ 1.5℃ warming limit, the UK, and the world, must identify new solutions to the energy crisis. Without a silver-bullet solution, combining simple, transitional steps will be vital to achieving the UK’s 2050 Net Zero commitment.

Hydrogen blending is one such solution. By injecting hydrogen into local gas supplies, hard-to-decarbonise industries can reduce their emissions efficiently, using existing infrastructure. Water is the sole product of pure hydrogen combustion, and is a much less persistent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Whilst hydrogen’s higher combustion temperatures can lead to increased nitrous oxide emissions, this can be mitigated using processes such as flue gas recirculation, which also enhances boiler efficiency. Furthermore, if green hydrogen (produced through renewable-powered electrolysis) is used, this technique can result in a largely decarbonised supply chain. This technology has proved effective in North Lincolnshire, with a 2% hydrogen blend injected into the energy grid to supply the Brigg power station.

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Given that heating accounted for 18% of UK carbon emissions in 2021, the application of this tool to boilers is particularly attractive. UK companies, including Northern Gas Networks, Cadent Gas, and ITM Power, have been collaborating on the HyDeploy project. A promising 18-month primary trial at Keele University, which involved their receiving a 20% hydrogen blend in their gas networks, evidenced no disruption. Existing infrastructure, boilers, and cooking appliances could function as usual, and over 27 tonnes of carbon dioxide were abated. However, issues remain; a further trial conducted in Winlaton saw more cautious support, with concerns dominated by potential cost implications.

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HyDeploy also partnered with key UK boiler companies, including Bosch and Vaillant, to confirm compatibility. They are working on a hydrogen-ready appliance programme, developing future-proof technology such as boilers that can run on 100% hydrogen, with simple conversions that aim to look just like your annual boiler maintenance checkup. Trials with ceramic and glass manufacturers also showed no operational or product quality issues. Additionally, in Spain, E&M Combustion has already reduced emissions by 5% with its steam boilers and has demonstrated the potential for a 100% hydrogen blend.

The independent climate change think tank E3G, however, has raised concerns about the technology. They claim blending risks greenwashing fossil fuels and diverts crucial attention away from deploying hydrogen in sectors where it could be most impactful. As hydrogen is a smaller molecule, pipe leaks become a greater concern, potentially requiring minor pipe upgrades. Issues also arise with possible rising fuel costs – consumers could see up to a 20% rise in energy bills if receiving the 20% maximum blend, which is a central concern in the current economic climate. However, prices are expected to fall as production scales up and incoming government support increases.  

Last month, as part of the Energy Networks Association’s Gas Goes Green programme, Scotland’s H100 Fife announced the start of green hydrogen production using energy from local offshore wind. The company plans to use existing pipelines to supply up to 300 homes with a hydrogen-biomethane blend by early 2026. BP also plans to utilise hydrogen in hard-to-abate parts of its business, such as heavy transport and refineries, and to develop export hubs to transport hydrogen and its derivatives.

Government backing has been strong. Their Ten Point Plan for the Green Industrial Revolution involves mobilising 12 billion GBP to bolster the growth of low-carbon hydrogen. Furthermore, the second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) has shortlisted 27 electrolytic hydrogen projects, which will undergo further assessment before receiving long-term funding. An investment of 500 million GBP has been committed to regional hydrogen transport and storage networks, underscoring the government’s confidence in hydrogen's role in the UK’s future clean energy network.

Hydrogen also offers the opportunity for longer-duration energy storage. When demand dips, excess wind and solar energy can be used to produce hydrogen for blending or later energy production. Government forecasts indicate that such systems could reduce Net Zero costs by 13-24 billion GBP. Blending could also de-risk early investment into hydrogen production and transmission networks by providing a stable market for producers.  

Currently, progress has been stunted by long lead times from investment to plant commissioning and a lack of supply chain maturity. Projects like HyDeploy are also working to improve outdated regulatory limits. With hydrogen, safety is often the first concern for people. Strict safety protocols and regulations will be necessary to manage hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines and the gas’s high flammability, though these risks are manageable and comparable to those of natural gas. Hydrogen has been used safely in industrial processes, such as fertiliser production, for over a century.

Hydrogen blending has significant potential to decarbonise the UK’s energy system and is an attractive transitional step that can work effectively with other renewable sources. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and investing in UK infrastructure, developing the hydrogen industry could also enhance energy stability and security, as well as create significant jobs. Whilst rollout must be thoughtfully managed, at a time of booming energy demand, practical stepping stones such as hydrogen blending offer a vital opportunity to reduce our climate impact.