A world-first green hydrogen-to-homes heating network on the Fife coast.
Central heating is responsible for up to a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas output: a challenge that must be solved if we are to meet the legally-binding net zero targets set by the UK Government and Scottish Government. Switching carbon-emitting natural gas for hydrogen, which doesn't produce carbon when it burns, is one of the ways that we can keep homes and businesses warm and safe while making ground in the fight against the climate emergency.
The project
On the east coast of Scotland, our H100 Fife project is laying the foundations for this change while giving residents in the local area the opportunity to be at the leading edge of the low-carbon economy.
We’re developing a world-first hydrogen network in Buckhaven and Denbeath that will bring renewable hydrogen into homes in 2024, providing zero-carbon fuel for heating and cooking. In the project’s first phase, the network will heat around 300 local homes using clean gas produced by a dedicated electrolysis plant, powered by a nearby offshore wind turbine.
The project is the first of its kind to employ a direct supply of clean power to produce hydrogen for domestic heating – putting Fife at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
The system will be designed and built to ensure the same high safety and reliability standards expected from the current gas system. An on-site storage unit will hold enough hydrogen to ensure supply won’t be disrupted during even the coldest weather conditions.
Timeline
Plans for the project have been approved by Ofgem and pending local partner approval we'll be ready for construction to begin in 2022. We’ll keep the local communities in Buckhaven and Denbeath informed throughout development and customers will be invited to the hydrogen demonstration facility in 2023, ahead of the hydrogen network going live in 2024. The project will be operational until March 2027.
Gas Goes Green
H100 Fife is part of Gas Goes Green, the industry blueprint for cutting out carbon emissions. We’re working in partnership with the Energy Networks Association (ENA), National Grid, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities on a number of groundbreaking innovation projects aiming to develop a safe, smart gas system that delivers clean heating to homes and businesses.