Scotland’s first hydrogen homes have been opened by the First Minister John Swinney, to showcase the potential for green hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions.
The new homes are as part of a unique project, based in Levenmouth, called H100 Fife. This involves building a new hydrogen production facility and installing a new gas network in Levenmouth. This was completed in December.
While people interested in the benefits of hydrogen can visit the new demonstration homes to see hydrogen heating and cooking in action, from summer of this year, 300 homes in the area – all of whom have opted in to the project – will have their natural gas supply switched over to hydrogen.
These homes will be the first homes in the world to use 100% zero-carbon hydrogen for heating and cooking.
People making the switch are assured that the entire process should take less than 24 hours and, other than having new appliances, they won’t notice the difference.
The green hydrogen is being produced by an electrolysis plant which is powered by offshore wind turbine. On-site hydrogen storage will ensure supply is not disrupted by adverse weather conditions.
SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback said: ‘SGN is incredibly proud to mark this important milestone for green energy in Scotland with the First Minister. We are working in partnership with the local community and look forward to welcoming them to our demonstration homes.
‘We believe H100 Fife can act as a catalyst for regional decarbonisation, positioning Scotland at the forefront of the transition to net zero.
‘However, this project is also far more than just a hydrogen for home heating trial and will provide key evidence to support the development of the hydrogen economy, whether that be production, storage, distribution or operations.’
SGN, along with Fife College, will soon open the UK’s first hydrogen training facility, just a mile away from the H100 Fife network in the college’s Levenmouth campus. Existing Gas Safe engineers in the region will be upskilled at the facility on how to fit new hydrogen appliances and connect homes taking part in the project.
Speaking at the launch First Minister John Swinney said: ‘Scotland’s net zero future depends on our ability to create innovative solutions to tackle climate change; and the H100 Fife project is a shining example of this ambition.
‘These demonstration homes offer residents a glimpse of the role that hydrogen can play in delivering warm and comfortable homes with zero carbon emissions.’