The BDR Thermea Group heats historic homes with 100% hydrogen boilers

Conducted in the city of Lochem in the east of the Netherlands, this pilot project is a world first. It consists of heating 12 individual houses with hydrogen. Built in the 1900s and classified as historical monuments, these houses will each be equipped with a boiler burning pure hydrogen without any carbon emissions. The hydrogen will be injected directly into the existing gas network located in a nearby industrial area.

Born of a collaboration between BDR Thermea and Alliander, the network operator, this project will last three years. Extensive tests will be carried out in winter when the heating demand is greatest. These houses were deliberately chosen as residential real estate for their age but also because of their heritage status.

Bertrand Schmitt, CEO of the BDR Thermea group declares: “The heating of buildings and water contributes significantly to energy consumption and CO2 emissions. : space heating represents 63,6% and water heating 14,8% of residential energy consumption in the EU. The decarbonization of buildings is therefore urgent and hydrogen is one of the key technologies to achieve this, along with heating networks, electric heat pumps and hybrid solutions that combine heat pumps and gas boilers. »

A recent study, published by consulting firm Guidehouse, shows that a mix of heating technologies is the fastest way to reduce natural gas consumption by 45% in 2030. This mix could generate a cumulative financial benefit of more of 520 billion euros until 2050.

Heat pumps play a key role in decarbonizing heating and are ideal for well-insulated homes and new builds. Hybrids can quickly reduce carbon emissions in less insulated existing buildings, reducing gas consumption by up to 70%. Eventually, the remaining gas consumption can be reduced by using renewable gases such as green hydrogen.