I’m not talking about a Brit winning Wimbledon (again) or a change of occupant at Number 10. I’m talking about the gas industry and in particular gas distribution.
Monday saw the Leeds 21 hydrogen project launched at a packed event in London; Tuesday saw KPMG’s 2050 Energy Scenarios report published; Wednesday was the IGEM decarbonising heat conference and then later, the much heralded and very important Parliamentary launch of the Green Gas Book.
Having industry work closely with politicians to arrive at what looks increasingly like a consensus is exactly what the UK needs at this point. I was flattered to be asked to contribute 2000 words to the book and even more pleased as it is the first article in it. That aside, the whole book and its content shows just how far the industry has moved in the past few years. Where once the end of gas in homes was forecast, now it can be the saviour – green, secure and affordable.
It is not the silver bullet; there are a range of options that will be needed, including renewable heating appliances such as heat pumps. But for the 85 per cent of homes that currently use gas, having green gas flowing through the pipes into the home and not having to change heating systems as we decarbonise is a real strength.
So what next? Well keeping the momentum up is important. The research we have commissioned will be published in the early autumn. From what I have seen it will help make the case for greening the gas network and the most cost effective pathway for the UK. I’ll keep you posted on its publication. Meanwhile here is my contribution in full.

Best Wishes

Mike Foster, CE