Exclusive:Union demands hydrogen-ready boilers as Westminster and Holyrood at odds over clean heating strategy
The UK and Scottish governments are at odds over the role hydrogen could play in replacing gas boilers in homes.
Union chiefs have called for hydrogen-powered boilers not to be ruled out amid fears UK Labour ministers are rushing a potential ban on the technology before the findings of a landmark Scottish trial are published.
It comes as Scotland’s two governments appear to be at odds over the role the technology could play in decarbonising heating - with Holyrood poised to bring forward delayed plans for how gas boilers will be replaced in homes north of the Border.
GMB Scotland is calling for UK policymakers to “not rush” ruling out hydrogen-powered boilers as an alternative to electric heat pumps being ramped up - arguing the industry could create well-paid jobs.
But the UK government has stressed that “as hydrogen is not yet a proven technology for home heating”, a role in decarbonising heating “would come later and likely be limited”.
Union bosses want politicians to wait for the flagship H100 project in Levenmouth, Fife, to conclude next year - and use the findings from the study before determining the future of the technology.
Green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, is sustainable - but requires a large amount of renewable electricity to generate. Rolling out large-scale hydrogen for heating would likely require more electricity than ramping up the roll-out of heat pumps.
Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, said: ”We need a measured, effective and realistic energy strategy and hydrogen can play an important role in building one.
“Ministers must not rush to judgement without fully understanding the potential of hydrogen to heat our homes, support the transition to net zero, and protect skilled, well-paid jobs.”
GMB Scotland tabled a motion at the union’s UK congress in Blackpool, calling for new gas boilers to be hydrogen-ready, continued investment in preparing the gas network for hydrogen and blended fuels, and accelerated support for hydrogen trials across the UK.
Ms Gilmour said:”There are thousands of highly skilled workers who build, maintain and operate the systems that keep homes heated and businesses running.
“Those workers deserve more than vague promises about a future green economy. They need to know where the jobs will come from and how their skills will be used.
“Net zero must be more than a slogan and cannot be rushed into place while needlessly risking secure employment, affordable energy and industrial capability.
“It would be an incredible act of economic self-harm if the skills, experience and commitment of our gas workers are not valued and protected as our country transitions towards renewable energy.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “While the Scottish government does not believe that hydrogen is likely to be the primary approach to decarbonising domestic heat, it could still have a role to play where electrification is not the optimal solution.
“The potential for hydrogen to replace natural gas in some parts of the gas grid continues to depend on strategic decisions by the UK government.
“Abundant renewable energy, strong oil and gas heritage, skills and innovation bases make Scotland well-placed to be a hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives producer and exporter.
“Along with carbon capture, utilisation and storage, hydrogen will be central to decarbonising Scotland’s industry and power sectors whilst providing new economic opportunities, driving sustainable fuel production, and enabling a just transition.”
A UK government spokesperson said: “Our warm homes plan will help roll out clean technology to millions, cutting bills and securing thousands of good jobs.
“Hydrogen is not yet a proven technology for home heating, so a potential role for the technology would come later following appropriate consultation.”
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