New research shows potential of
hydrogen-source heat pumps
A new research project, thought to be the first
to assess hydrogen as an energy source for heat pumps, has found that
hydrogen-backed heat pumps could be an eco-friendly option for the
building sector and support decarbonization in line with the UK’s
net-zero targets.
Image: WiR_Pixs, Pixabay
New research
has revealed that using hydrogen-source heat pumps to heat UK
households could markedly reduce the carbon footprint of global energy
supply chains.
The researchers
carried out a supply chain analysis on heating households using
hydrogen-source heat pumps compared to heat pump systems utilizing
air, ground and water as their energy source. The researchers, from
the Advanced Resource Efficiency Centre at the
University of Sheffield, believe it is the first study to consider
hydrogen as an energy source for heat pumps.
Their findings indicate that
hydrogen-based heat pumps,
which operate using green hydrogen
derived from renewable energy sources instead of relying on
electricity from the grid network, present a “promising option” for
the UK market. They have the potential to reduce stress on the
national grid network and minimize the environmental impacts
associated with the supply chain. Hydrogen's abundant availability,
minimal emissions, significant reduced greenhouse gases and reversible
generation process were noted as key benefits.
Central heating
operated by natural-gas-fueled boilers is currently the dominant
heating system in UK households. Households in the UK have experienced
recent surges in energy prices and the issue of pollution and
dependency on fossil fuels in existing boilers pose significant
threats to the sustainability, energy security, and resilience of the
UK's building sector.
The UK government
has set a nationwide goal to
eliminate fossil fuel-based heating systems from new residential
constructions by 2026. In its Heat and Buildings Strategy, the
government set a goal of a minimum of 600,000 heat pump installations
annually by 2028. The strategy acknowledges the potential contribution
of hydrogen in the decarbonisation of heat, suggesting hydrogen could
cater to up to 4 million households by 2035.
The
research paper says the heat pump market and its supply chain
“will play a significant role in shaping the energy security and
resilience of the United Kingdom.” The researchers said they hope the
results of the project will help policymakers and other stakeholders
select more environmentally-friendly supply chain pathways for heat
pumps, enhancing the resilience of the UK’s energy supply.
“This research
highlights the potential of a net-zero emissions strategy for heat
pumps in mitigating ecological impacts, attracting investment, gaining
support from local authorities, and influencing decision-makers to
allocate more financial resources for the expansion of renewable
energy sources and their integration into the grid network,” said Prof
Lenny Koh, director of advanced resource efficiency at the University
of Sheffield and co-head of Energy Institute.
The research
paper’s conclusion says the United Kingdom exhibits substantial
potential for manufacturing and advancing hydrogen production systems
domestically. It suggests the heat pump supply chain, and the supply
chain for hydrogen production technologies such as electrolysis, are
strengthened in parallel in the United Kingdom. It also calls for
manufacturing capacity development to supply all main components of
heat pump units in the United Kingdom, including compressors,
evaporators, valves, piping, insulation, and refrigerants.
“The outcomes
of this study could also help policymakers choose more sustainable
supply chain scenarios and routes to counter climate change, reduce
toxicology and global warming damaging consequences,” the researchers
concluded. “Such actions to improve UK energy sustainability,
resiliency and security are poised to have substantial direct and
indirect benefits on a wide range of industries and sectors.”
