Believed to be a first of its kind project in the US, H2 Hydrogen Homes will see a nearly 2,000 square foot home equipped with an electrolyser to convert solar energy to hydrogen and a fuel cell to supply electricity.

Up to 20% hydrogen will also be blended with natural gas and used in the home’s tank-less water heater, clothes dryer, gas stove, fireplace and BBQ grill.

Maryam Brown, President of SoCalGas, said, “For the past decade, SoCalGas has invested in hydrogen research and development, recognising it as a critical component of our transition to net-zero emissions.

“The H2 Hydrogen home brings many of the technologies that we helped pioneer together under one roof in a unique showcase of how California might power resilient communities and businesses in the future.”

Once complete, the home is set to function and feel exactly like a regular home, but using reliable and clean energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Further adding to the greenness of the project, each of the delivered materials were transported on Class 8 trucks powered by hydrogen.

Welcoming the effort, Cristina Garcia, California Assembly Member, said, “The H2 Hydrogen Home is a tangible example of the cutting-edge technologies and clean energy systems that we will need to meet our net-zero carbon goal by 2045.

“As we shift toward a future of renewable electricity in California, we will rely on a variety of energy solutions, including hydrogen and advanced fuel cells to create a more resilient grid. I am proud that this first in the nation example will be showcased in the 58th district.”

A window to the future: Hydrogen’s role in the award-winning ‘H2 Hydrogen Home Project’

Hydrogen has clearly been recognised as a key clean energy carrier that holds the potential to decarbonise multiple hard-to-abate sectors such as transportation, industrial processes and heating. One crucial and unique area of hydrogen’s role in the energy transition could be its role in reducing the carbon footprint of households and residential areas.

Many regard this aspect of hydrogen as potentially its most significant as it could help sway the wider public opinion to adopt hydrogen technologies. If the everyday person can seamlessly transition away from natural gas to hydrogen without any implications, then it could raise hydrogen’s profile and highlight the safe practice with its use.

Want to continue reading? Click here.