World’s first 100% green hydrogen network?

The world’s first 100% green hydrogen-to-homes network for heating could be built in Scotland by gas distribution network company SGN.

If proposals are approved by energy regulator Ofgem, an initial 300 homes in Levenmouth, Fife, will have access to hydrogen for heating and cooking within two to three years, says SGN.

The project, called H100 Fife, has passed initial screening for Ofgem’s annual Network Innovation Competition (NIC) and is preparing to submit its full bid for funding this summer. If successful, this will allow it to build a new zero carbon hydrogen network using hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by an offshore wind turbine.

The proposed hydrogen production, storage and network will run along-side the current natural gas system, demonstrating every aspect of a hydrogen-to-homes scheme. The system will be built to ensure at least the same safety and reliability standards expected from the current gas system. On-site storage will hold enough hydrogen to ensure supply won’t be disrupted during even the coldest weather conditions.

The project should start construction in late 2020 or early 2021.