A world-first green hydrogen-to-homes heating network on the Fife coast.
Central heating is responsible for up to a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas output: a challenge that must be solved if we are to meet the legally-binding net zero targets set by the UK Government and Scottish Government. Switching carbon-emitting natural gas for hydrogen, which doesn't produce carbon when it burns, is one of the ways that we can keep homes and businesses warm and safe while making ground in the fight against the climate emergency.
The project
On the east coast of Scotland, our H100 Fife project is laying the foundations for this change while giving residents in the local area the opportunity to be at the leading edge of the low-carbon economy.
We’re developing a world-first hydrogen network in Buckhaven and Denbeath that will bring renewable hydrogen into homes in summer 2025, providing zero-carbon fuel for heating and cooking. In the project’s first phase, the network will heat around 300 local homes using clean gas produced by a dedicated electrolysis plant, powered by a nearby offshore wind turbine.
The project is the first of its kind to employ a direct supply of clean power to produce hydrogen for domestic heating – putting Fife at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
The system will be designed and built to ensure the same high safety and reliability standards expected from the current gas system. An on-site storage unit will hold enough hydrogen to ensure supply won’t be disrupted during even the coldest weather conditions.
Timeline
The project is well into its construction phase. So far, we’ve installed over 65% of the new 8.2km hydrogen network in Buckhaven and Denbeath.
The construction of our hydrogen demonstration homes is complete, and they are now being fitted with appliances in preparation for opening up to participants.
We’re also making progress with the construction of our production and storage facility in Fife Energy Park. The foundations of our site are now complete, four out of six hydrogen storage vessels are in place and work to install our electrolyser has begun. We’re aiming for H100 Fife to go live in summer 2025. It will be operational until 2027.
Gas Goes Green
H100 Fife is part of Gas Goes Green, the industry blueprint for cutting out carbon emissions. We’re working in partnership with the Energy Networks Association (ENA), National Grid, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities on a number of groundbreaking innovation projects aiming to develop a safe, smart gas system that delivers clean heating to homes and businesses.