Baxi ready to trial commercial H2 boilers

Baxi is getting ready for the first real-life trials of 100 per cent hydrogen boilers for commercial applications. The move follows successful trials of 100 per cent hydrogen domestic boilers at the Hydrogen Homes in Low Thornley and HyStreet at Spadeadam.

The pure hydrogen boilers will enable commercial users such as businesses and public sector bodies to tap into the potential of hydrogen, whether used on their own or in a multivalent configuration with a heat pump.

“We’re playing our part in the energy transition and that includes in commercial buildings,” says Karen Boswell, managing director at Baxi UK & Ireland. “Green hydrogen is one way to help larger buildings decarbonise because it can store renewable power over long periods of time and help avoid heavy peak loads on the electricity grid.”

Baxi is preparing prototypes for real-life demonstrations in the UK and Europe, which could be live by the end of the year. The different applications of the hydrogen boiler will be demonstrated, such as when it is deployed at sites of local hydrogen generation and storage solutions, and/or in a multivalent set-up with a heat pump, in which hydrogen would cover the peak loads on the electricity grid.

This trial stage also represents a valuable opportunity to learn more about the potential of hydrogen for heating. “As we navigate the energy transition, we want to deliver flexibility for our customers,” says Karen. “We’re currently working to make our full range of commercial boilers 100 per cent hydrogen ready.

“Our Remeha commercial boiler ranges are 20 per cent hydrogen ready, but we will also be launching a conversion kit for future boilers to switch from natural gas to 100 per cent hydrogen. This will allow commercial users to prepare themselves for the energy switch, offering them more options to decarbonise heat.”