BOILERS, PUMPS & VALVES Remeha E-HP AW air source heat pumps


TAKING A BLENDED APPROACH TO HEAT


DECARBONISATION


Reducing emissions from heat in buildings is crucial in the drive for greater sustainability. But we’re not going to get to Net Zero with a single technology, says Rob Erwood, sales and specification director at Baxi Commercial Solutions


W


ith increased focus on the need to decarbonise heat in buildings to reach Net


Zero, there has been much discussion about the best approach to reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. However, creating a polarising ‘heat pumps versus hydrogen’ debate won’t help energy managers tackle the challenges in their buildings! The reality is that heat decarbonisation is a


complex challenge with many different factors, from the building type to the available budget, influencing how quickly and easily it can be achieved. We believe that a mix of solutions that includes heat pumps, hybrid systems and green hydrogen – as well as heat networks in dense urban areas – will all play a part in the future energy mix, along with energy efficiency.


ENERGY EFFICIENCY For energy managers looking to plot their decarbonisation pathway, the first step should always be to reduce energy demand. Irrespective of the low-to-zero technology that may eventually be used, energy efficiency is crucial. Understanding where and how energy is being used in the building will help determine any opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, the options will depend


on where you are in your decarbonisation journey. If heating is one of the large energy consumers


and your building is relying on old, inefficient boilers, for example, it’s worth considering replacing them with modern condensing boilers that are up to 20% more efficient as the next step towards your long-term goals.


HEAT PUMPS AND HYBRID SYSTEMS It’s well established that low-carbon heat pumps have a major role to play in the energy transition to achieve our sustainability goals. We see air source heat pumps (ASHP) as the most popular and cost- effective choice of heat pump and are pleased to be adding new high temperature and low temperature ASHPs to our existing Remeha range this year. Typically, when considering installing heat pumps


into older buildings, the fabric of the building, heat loss calculations, the compatibility of the existing heating system and any necessary updates will all need to be considered at the outset. If an all- electric approach is not a feasible option initially, a multivalent approach should not be overlooked. Bivalent systems that combine heat pumps and


highly efficient condensing boilers can reduce gas use by up to 70% (source: Greenhouse) with an associated drop in emissions, which will help move businesses considerably closer to their sustainability goals. The remaining natural gas use can be cut by


using renewable gases, such as green hydrogen. Replacing natural gas with 100% hydrogen might currently be at the discussion stage, but it’s worth noting that all five of Britain’s gas grid companies are ready to deliver a 20% blend of hydrogen from this year. Why is this important? Because blending just 20% of hydrogen into the gas grid will reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 2.5 million cars a year, according to the ENA. Boilers, like the top-of-the-range Remeha range, are not only highly efficient but certified to operate on a 20% hydrogen blend – in other


words, there will be no need for changes to the boilers or heating system.


HYDROGEN BOILERS Hydrogen is one of the energy carriers that can play a key role in decarbonising heating. Public demonstrations of prototype boilers in residential applications are currently underway, with plans to move up to progressively larger scale trials. More relevant to energy managers, Baxi now


has the first-ever pure hydrogen boiler for commercial use ready for the first real-life trial – ‘heat-in-a-box’ – in partnership with H2Go Power and Northern Gas Networks. Decentralised hydrogen generation, storage and usage for heating provides a future solution to the challenge of delivering low carbon heating solutions in harder-to-heat buildings. It also helps maximise self-generated renewable electricity, making it a particularly interesting solution for multiple use cases. This includes off gas grid public sector buildings, hotels and leisure centres that currently rely on more carbon-intensive fuel for heat. A conversion kit for future hydrogen-ready


boilers to switch from natural gas to 100% hydrogen in situ is also in development, and will allow commercial users to prepare themselves for the energy switch and offer more options to decarbonise heat. Watch this space!


ADVICE AND SUPPORT There’s no denying that decarbonising heat is a huge challenge. Your chosen manufacturer should, however, be able to offer not only the necessary combination of products, techniques and product development, but the essential technical advice and support to help you through the energy transition. It all comes down to early engagement. With a good understanding of the long-term goals, our specialist Building Services team can survey the building to identify any issues and advise on the best approach within the project requirements and parameters. In this way, we can help you plan your net zero pathway to suit your unique needs – all the while ensuring that heating performance is prioritised at every stage.


Baxi www.baxi.co.uk


The first-ever pure hydrogen boiler for commercial applications is ready for trial


For more information on Baxi’s commercial heat pump range, visit: remeha.co.uk/products/heat-pumps/e-hp-aw-air-source-heat-pump For more information on the role of hydrogen in the future energy mix, visit: baxi.co.uk/about-us/the-future-of-heat/hydrogen


28 ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Spring 2023


www.essmag.co.uk


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