In 2026, the UK government will decide whether to incorporate hydrogen into its net-zero climate plans and how it will contribute to decarbonizing heating. This decision will be based on research, trials, and similar schemes in Europe.

But why has this taken so long when UK trials have been ongoing since 2016 with promising results? One possible explanation is that the focus on electric and other clean energy sources has overshadowed hydrogen. Interestingly, the first hydrogen engine was invented back in 1806 by Swiss engineer François Isaac de Rivaz. This raises the question: why are we only now seriously exploring hydrogen over 200 years later? Imagine the technological advancements we could have achieved had we continued to develop hydrogen since then—engines, generators, power stations, and heating are just a few of the countless possibilities.

Richard Holloway