Written question asked by Baroness Worthington (Crossbench) on Monday, 6 March 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 March 2023. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Monday, 20 March 2023 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Hydrogen: Heating

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government why they are taking powers to impose a village trial of hydrogen heating before the completion of the neighbourhood trial and the publication of the analysis of the findings from that trial.

Answer: The neighbourhood trial will transport hydrogen through pipes laid parallel with the existing natural gas network. It is providing valuable evidence on costs, regulatory changes, risk management and consumer engagement. This work is informing the design and delivery of the village trial. The village trial is providing evidence on a greater number and diversity of consumers and building types, and on the process of converting the gas network. Evidence from both trials will inform Government’s 2026 strategic decisions on the role of hydrogen in heat decarbonisation.

Secondary information