Our study investigated the logistical challenges of transitioning UK domestic properties from natural gas to 100% hydrogen.
Confidential
This study investigated the logistical challenges of transitioning UK domestic properties from natural gas to 100% hydrogen. It considered the practical tasks required to transition homes, how these tasks could be delivered and the associated risks, barriers and opportunities that the conversion would present.
We conducted detailed stakeholder engagement with domestic gas installation and servicing companies, gas regulatory organisations, gas appliance manufacturers, academics and consultancies. The study considered a conversion approach and estimated timeframes involving initial home surveys, pre-conversion preparations and the actual conversion itself, identifying a range of systems and materials alternatives and particular challenges relating to the inaccessibility of existing domestic pipework.
We also considered the development of new hydrogen-ready dual fuel appliances that have been designed in advance to run on hydrogen, but temporarily back-fitted to run on natural gas, which could in principle significantly reduce the workload at the point of conversion.
The study identified a series of risks and barriers, including the need to demonstrate that domestic hydrogen appliances offer similar performance and safety features to existing natural gas appliances. The importance of public perception, the availability of alternative heating technologies to hydrogen, and the requirement for a firm legal framework surrounding conversion works were also highlighted.
We concluded that if a designated conversion workforce was developed, then in theory all UK homes could be converted in around four years (including initial surveys, property updates and appliance conversions). The conversion would take around four times longer without any augmentation of the current workforce.
