The call comes as the UK faces the twin challenges of reducing emissions from buildings and securing energy supplies over the winter.

Decarbonising domestic heat is one of the toughest issues facing the UK as it looks to deliver on Net-Zero. Critics claim hydrogen’s high cost and poor energy efficiency mean the gas isn’t a viable solution. Around 85% of homes are equipped with natural gas boilers.

But the NWHA points to wider carbon dioxide (CO2) benefits, stating that using hydrogen could cut average household CO2 emissions by 2.4 tonnes annually, according to a new ‘Hydrogen Heat in the North West’ report.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said rising energy costs and ongoing energy supply challenges make low-carbon alternative heatings even more of a priority.

He said, “While we will need a mix of solutions, including electrification, the UK cannot cost effectively decarbonise its housing stock without hydrogen,” adding that it was a like-for-like replacement for natural gas.

Helen Boyle, Head of Regional Development for Cadent, agreed that hydrogen is a fundamental part of our clean energy revolution and future fuel for heating homes.

She said it will be bringing low carbon hydrogen to 2,000 properties in the Whitby, Ellesmere Port region, which is also home to hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet North West.