HyTech consortium appointed by BEIS to support work on Hydrogen for heating

The HyTech consortium will be led by DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, in collaboration with Progressive Energy, Frontier Economics, Enertek International, Flex Process and Dave Lander Consulting to support BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) in the assessment of the feasibility, costs, and benefits of using 100% hydrogen for heating in the UK.

The UK Government is working with industry, regulators and others to deliver a range of research, development and testing projects to assess the feasibility, costs and benefits of using 100% hydrogen for heating.  This work includes a pioneering programme of community trials. The results of these projects will enable strategic decisions in 2026 on the role of hydrogen in heating.

This important contract award arrives swiftly on the heels of the publication of DNV’s ‘Hydrogen forecast to 2050’ in June. The main message in the report was that hydrogen has a crucial role in decarbonizing the world’s energy system, but uptake globally will be too slow. Europe is a forerunner with hydrogen set to take 11% of the total energy mix by 2050.

Hari Vamadevan, Regional Director UK & Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV says: “Remi Eriksen, our Group CEO said at the launch of our new report ‘hydrogen seems to be everywhere and nowhere.’ Giving hydrogen a larger role in the global energy mix is critical to reaching goals set by the Paris Agreement. It is a positive step for the UK government to assess and investigate all energy alternatives to reach a lower carbon future and maintain security of supply.”

Quotes from consortium partners

Progressive Energy

Chris Manson-Whitton, Director, at Progressive Energy says: “Progressive Energy are delighted to be a part of the HyTech consortium, providing strategic and technical advice to the UK Government to support their ambitious plans to make a decision on the role of 100% hydrogen heating by 2026.”

Frontier Economics

Dan Roberts, Director, Frontier Economics says: “Assessing the role of hydrogen in home heating is one of the most significant and complex challenges of the net zero transition and will require genuine multidisciplinary input to address in a robust way. We’re tremendously excited to be working alongside DNV to provide economic input to this critical project.”

Enertek International Ltd

Paul Needley, Managing Director of Enertek International Ltd, says: “Low carbon hydrogen could be a key option for decarbonizing heat in buildings. However, 100% hydrogen for heat is not yet an established option unlike other technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks. Further work is required to assess the feasibility, costs and benefits of a transition to hydrogen in a safe, affordable, timely, and practical way. We are delighted to be part of DNV’s consortium supporting BEIS with their analysis.”

Flex Process

Roger Rayner, Lead Engineer and former Managing Director of Flex Process Ltd – now part of the SNC-Lavalin Net Zero Energy group, says: “Much of the focus on hydrogen as a fuel source has been focussed on networks and domestic users; so, I am proud that our experienced engineering team will be assisting BEIS with their work on understanding the future role of hydrogen for heating for industrial users. As this country begins its transition to Net Zero, the next few years will be critical to this journey, as the decisions and policies developed by BEIS will set the pathways that industry will follow. Our engineering, safety, and industrial digitalisation experience will greatly assist this programme.”

Dave Lander Consulting Limited

Dave Lander, Director, Dave Lander Consulting Limited says: “We are looking forward to working within a strong consortium, led by DNV, providing technical input into this important project.”

The contract will span two years.

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