Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Acknowledged
An urgent project on metering domestic hydrogen use needs to be undertaken.
Conclusion
An urgent project on metering domestic hydrogen use needs to be undertaken. This should include an assessment of: • whether and when the current generation of gas smart meters need to be (a) adapted, or (b) replaced; • what technology could and should be used in new meters to accommodate different fuels and to reflect the timing and pace of different transition scenarios; and • the likely costs of domestic metering under the various scenarios. This work should be completed by the beginning of 2024 to ensure that a resilient approach to metering has been developed to underpin the Government’s decisions on the role of hydrogen in domestic heating and to lay the foundations for an appropriate pace of change should the decision be to adopt hydrogen for domestic heating. (Paragraph 154) The role of hydrogen in achieving Net Zero 75 The Government’s hydrogen strategy
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges that current smart meters could work on a 20-23% hydrogen blend, with ongoing assessment by the OPSS. They mention the Hy4Heat program and hydrogen heating trials that will inform strategic decisions in 2026.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The current generation of gas smart meters could work on a 20–23% hydrogen blend, subject to further accuracy testing and assurance. This is currently being assessed by the OPSS. However, the current generation of smart meters would need to be upgraded to work on higher blends of hydrogen (i.e. 23-to 100%). Should 100% hydrogen be adopted for domestic heating, then government would need to consider options around how hydrogen smart meter deployment might be carried out as efficiently as possible taking into account the current replacement cycle. There are no material issues from a smart functionality perspective regardless of hydrogen concentration. The £25m DESNZ-funded Hy4Heat programme concluded in 2022 and supported the development of accurate and SMETS-compliant meters for 100% hydrogen (as well as blends greater than 20%). This programme supported two manufacturers, one of whom delivered their smart meter in early 2022 with the other manufacturer expecting to deliver their meter in 2023. There are two 100% hydrogen heating trials currently planned. Government has committed to support industry to begin a neighbourhood trial, located in Fife, by 2024, and a large village trial by 2025. Gas Distribution Network companies (GDNs) are developing detailed proposals for the trials which will include an assessment of the specifications and costs of meters required. Together with the results of the wider R&D and testing programme, evidence from the hydrogen heating trials will enable the government to take strategic decisions in 2026 on the role of hydrogen in heat decarbonisation.