SNIPEF (Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation) has cautioned against prioritising hydrogen for domestic heating, urging the Scottish Government and industry to focus on proven low-carbon solutions like heat pumps and building upgrades.

This comes after First Minister John Swinney described hydrogen for heating as a "new prospect" and a "really exciting opportunity" in recent comments.

SNIPEF argues that hydrogen is "neither cost-effective nor efficient" for home heating and remains largely untested in that context.


Scott Sanford, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF, stated, "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."

He emphasised that producing green hydrogen requires more renewable energy than heat pumps, making it a less efficient option. "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," Sanford said.

SNIPEF is calling for clarity and confidence for homeowners, landlords, and businesses regarding safe, affordable, and effective low-carbon heating technologies.