Asked by: Baroness Worthington (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect the neighbourhood trial, referred to in the impact assessment on the Hydrogen Heating Village Grid Conversion, published on 6 July 2022, to (1) commence, (2) conclude, and (3) report; and what measures they will use to evaluate its success.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The neighbourhood trial is SGN’s H100 Fife project in Levenmouth. SGN plans to deliver hydrogen to consumers in mid-2024 and conclude by 2027. SGN provides evidence and regular progress updates to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem and the Health and Safety Executive. They also produce an annual report in accordance with conditions set by Ofgem, who part funds the project
H100’s evidence is already shaping plans for the village trial, including on costs and regulatory challenges. Alongside evidence from the village trial, H100 will inform the Government’s strategic decisions in 2026 on the role of hydrogen in decarbonising heat.
Asked by: Baroness Worthington (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government why they are taking powers to impose a village trial of hydrogen heating before the completion of the neighbourhood trial and the publication of the analysis of the findings from that trial.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The neighbourhood trial will transport hydrogen through pipes laid parallel with the existing natural gas network. It is providing valuable evidence on costs, regulatory changes, risk management and consumer engagement. This work is informing the design and delivery of the village trial. The village trial is providing evidence on a greater number and diversity of consumers and building types, and on the process of converting the gas network. Evidence from both trials will inform Government’s 2026 strategic decisions on the role of hydrogen in heat decarbonisation.
Asked by: Baroness Worthington (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the proportion of consumers who (1) will participate in the Hydrogen Heating Village Trial, (2) will decline to participate in the hydrogen heating village trial and receive an alternative heating solution, (3) will be disconnected from natural gas without their consent, and (4) will be agreed by their Gas Distribution Network Operators (GDNs) to be unable to participate in the trial.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government has asked the gas networks to engage with local consumers to develop an attractive offer that encourages as many consumers in the trial area as possible to participate. This includes alternative heating solutions and appliances for those who are unable or do not wish to take part. In their trial proposals due in March, the gas networks must include the outcomes of their local engagement and evidence of the likely uptake of both hydrogen and the alternative offer. We will not go ahead with a trial in an area where there is not strong local support.
Asked by: Baroness Worthington (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Energy Bill [HL] Impact Assessment on a hydrogen heating village grid conversion trial which states that “we expect Gas Distribution Network Operators to reach an agreement with all consumers in the chosen trial location, including those who do not want hydrogen or cannot participate in the trial”, on what grounds consumers would be considered to be unable to participate in the trial.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
All consumers will have the right to refuse trialling hydrogen. Alternative heating solutions and appliances will be offered for those who are unable or do not wish to take part.
It is possible that some consumers such as commercial or industrial users with specialised requirements may not be able to participate in the trial if suitable equipment is not available at the time.