Today many homes are still heated with fossil gas, but this is bound to change in the coming decades. Will we simply replace natural gas with green hydrogen? The answer is a bit more complicated than that. Together with WaterstofNet, Solhyd investigated the role of green hydrogen in buildings in the future in the BatHyBuild project.
The results of that project are now published. In many buildings which cannot easily switch to heat pumps, green hydrogen is a possible alternative heating solution. Moreover, the use of hydrogen in buildings brings about many possibilities to support the energy system as a whole. The study focused on the Flemish context, but may provide inspiration to those investigating the use of green hydrogen in the built environment elsewhere.
The complete analysis can be found in the final report. Download the final report here.
What can I do with green hydrogen in my house?
The study was looking forward to developments beyond 2030. However, many people are wondering what they can already do today. Therefore, we list 6 key take-aways below. Since the study focused on Flanders, these points are especially valid for countries in Northwestern Europe.
1 – It is always a good idea to invest in insulation
With or without the use of hydrogen, it is always a good idea to properly insulate your home. First reduce energy demand, before trying to fulfill it. The idea that insulation would not be needed because of the introduction of green hydrogen, is a myth.
2 – It is always a good idea to invest in (conventional) solar panels
The investment in photovoltaic solar panels is worthwile today, and this will remain to be the case in the future. With or without Solhyd panels, it is still smart to (also) install conventional solar panels.
3 – Foresee low temperature heating when possible
Low temperature heating (e.g. underfloor heating) is a very efficient way to heat your home. This is also true for equipment running on hydrogen. Therefore, if you are planning a thorough renovation, make sure to consider updating your heat delivery system as well.
4 – A hybrid heat pump may be interesting already today
A hybrid heat pump (the combination of a heat pump with a gas-fired boiler) is an interesting option to combine gas-based and electricity-based heating. It turns out that combining hydrogen-based heating with heat pumps is a good choice in the future. And even today the combination of a conventional boiler with a heat pump may be the right choice. It allows you to reduce your climate impact while limiting your heating costs, especially when combined with solar panels. Moreover, you are placing a double bet and are ready for the future.
5 – Don’t wait for hydrogen
It will probably take at least 10-15 years before hydrogen may become commonplace in buildings. Any investment you make in insulation or solar panels today, will be recuperated by the time green hydrogen arrives. Therefore, don’t ponder too much about the future, but do what’s best for your home today.
6 – You can prepare your home for the future (somewhat)
Besides the actions listed above, there is not so much you can do to prepare your home for hydrogen specifically. It is a good idea to foresee some conduits to your roof, garden and/or street. And having enough space in your boiler room can be useful to accommodate any future technology.
Watch the webinar on hydrogen in buildings
The results of the study were presented during a webinar, which can be watched below.
The webinar was in Dutch, but the final report, in English, may be downloaded here.