Last week we visited the brand new Hydrogen Homes in Gateshead to learn more about how hydrogen could help us build a greener future.
Opened to the public in July, the homes will remain open for three years and were built by Northern Gas Networks in partnership with Cadent and the Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The two semi-detached homes are designed to educate the public on the benefits of hydrogen appliances. The methane we presently use to cook and heat our homes releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burned, contributing to 30% of CO2 emissions in the UK and, ultimately, to climate change. Hydrogen’s lack of carbon ensures that when burned, only water and heat are produced, meaning we can cook and heat our homes in cleaner and greener ways.
Not only would a switch to hydrogen aid the environment, the government estimate that it would enable new jobs and opportunities across the country. It is thought that in 2030 the UK hydrogen economy could be worth £900million and supporting over 9,000 jobs. By 2050, this figure could rise to £13billion whilst supporting up to 100,000 jobs, mainly in science, engineering, manufacturing and transport alongside a range of roles in the supply chain including IT, construction and training.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and are excited to watch what the future holds for the UK’s green agenda, both on the roads and in the home.
