Federation urges Government and industry to prioritise proven solutions like heat pumps and building upgrades

Following First Minister John Swinney’s recent comments in The Scotsman describing hydrogen for heating as a “new prospect” and a “really exciting opportunity,” the Plumbing and Heating Federation cautions that hydrogen is “neither cost-effective nor efficient” for domestic heating.

Instead, the Federation calls on policymakers to fast-track proven low-carbon options such as heat pumps, heat networks and comprehensive building upgrades.

Scott Sanford, Technical and Skills Manager at the Federation said:  “Extensive evidence shows that hydrogen is neither cost-effective nor efficient for domestic heating, and it remains largely untested in that context.

Even the Climate Change Committee suggests hydrogen’s role is primarily in industries where there are few or no alternatives, such as chemicals, cement and certain power-generation segments that rely on Carbon Capture and Storage.

“That leaves little room for its use in heating our homes, especially given that producing green hydrogen typically requires more renewable energy than heat pumps. Instead of diverting resources into speculative hydrogen heating schemes, we should focus on proven, readily deployable options like heat pumps, heat networks, and building upgrades.

“Homeowners, landlords and businesses need clarity and confidence about which technologies are truly safe, affordable, and effective as we transition to low-carbon heating.”