As the UK continues its push toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, attention has turned to a major contributor to household emissions: heating. According to the Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 Consultation, domestic properties account for around 30% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. With this in mind, the government is set to phase out natural gas boilers in favour of low carbon alternatives, and hydrogen is emerging as a key contender.
What Are Hydrogen Ready Boilers:
Hydrogen ready boilers are designed to function in much the same way as traditional natural gas boilers, but with a significant difference. They use hydrogen gas either partially or fully instead of natural gas. Currently, boilers on the market are only permitted to operate with up to a 20% hydrogen blend, the remaining 80% being conventional natural gas. These are not fully hydrogen compatible systems but are designed to be converted easily when 100% hydrogen becomes available.
Why Hydrogen:
When hydrogen is burned, it produces only water vapor and heat, no carbon dioxide or harmful pollutants that contribute to climate change. This makes it a clean burning fuel that could replace natural gas in millions of homes, dramatically reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.
However, for fully hydrogen boilers to become viable, significant changes to the UK’s infrastructure are necessary. The existing gas distribution networks would need to be upgraded or replaced to handle 100% hydrogen safely. This is a major undertaking, and the UK government is expected to make a decision by 2026 on whether to move forward with a hydrogen rollout.
How Does a Full Hydrogen Boiler Work:
A fully hydrogen boiler operates in a similar fashion to a traditional gas boiler. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Fuel Source: Instead of methane (natural gas), it uses hydrogen gas.
- Combustion: The hydrogen is ignited in a combustion chamber.
- Heat Exchange: The heat produced warms water through a heat exchanger.
- Output: The hot water is distributed through radiators or stored for taps, and the only emission is water vapor.
Hydrogen boilers may also include modified burners, valves, and flame detection systems specifically designed to cope with hydrogen’s unique combustion characteristics.
Costs Compared to Gas Boilers
Hydrogen ready boilers are expected to be similarly priced to premium natural gas boilers. As of 2025, these units typically cost between £1,500 and £2,500 for installation, similar to high end gas boilers. However, operating costs could be higher initially due to the cost of hydrogen production and supply, especially green hydrogen, which is generated using renewable electricity through electrolysis.
That said, as hydrogen production scales up and infrastructure improves, prices are expected to drop, much like the cost reductions seen with renewable electricity sources such as solar and wind over the past decade.
So, who is Developing Hydrogen Boilers:
Several major boiler manufacturers are actively developing and testing hydrogen ready and hydrogen only boilers:
- Worcester Bosch – One of the first to unveil a hydrogen-ready boiler prototype.
- Vaillant – Developing models that can be converted from natural gas to hydrogen.
- Ideal Heating – Working on boilers compatible with future hydrogen networks.
- Baxi Heating – Has launched a hydrogen-ready boiler and is conducting field trials.
- Viessmann – Investing in hydrogen-compatible technologies as part of a broader sustainability strategy.
These companies are conducting field trials, often in partnership with government programs and energy providers, to test safety, efficiency, and performance in real world conditions.
Explore Sustainable Heating with Hewer Facilities Management
Right now, here at Hewer Facilities Management, we are a long-established installer with over 10 years of experience in installing heat pumps, a proven, efficient, and low carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers.
Whether you’re considering a hydrogen ready boiler or exploring other renewable heating solutions, our expert team is here to help guide you through the options that best suit your home and future proof your energy use. Why not give our renewables team a call on 01452 525854 or visit us online at: www.hewerfm.co.uk/renewable-services/.
Supporting you to make your home greener, and ready for the future.
