The trial will gather evidence to aid in the government’s decision on whether to promote hydrogen, using existing gas networks, and support the decarbonisation of heating buildings.

Heating currently contributes 74% of building emissions in the UK, and approximately 23% of all UK emissions. The way homes are heated in the future will be a significant factor for the UK meeting its net-zero target.

Dr. Angie Needle, Director of Strategy at Cadent Gas, said, “Hydrogen offers the means for a reliable, low-carbon method of heating homes, without having to make significant changes in infrastructure.

“We’ve already carried out extensive work to prove the case for using hydrogen for heating and cooking, and the Hydrogen Village is the next exciting milestone. We’re delighted to have been awarded this funding to complete more detailed design work, in partnership with British Gas.”

The funding will allow Cadent to begin detailed planning for the project, including local community engagement. Cadent will feed detailed design and costing data back to the UK’s energy watchdog, OFGEM and the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in 2023.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, commented, “To help cut carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in west Cheshire by 2045 we are looking at a range of different solutions, including alternative energy options, as set out in our Climate Emergency Response Plan.

“We’re already in a unique position to have the HyNet development on our doorstep, providing an opportunity to use hydrogen as a source of energy, not only to power industry in our area but also our homes.  It will also provide significant job opportunities in a new, expanding sector, for people both locally and further afield.”

H2 View understands that a demonstration centre will be set up for people to be able to see the hydrogen homes in action.