Report for BEIS predicts fugitive hydrogen emissions

The report, published on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) website, identifies and quantifies the different mechanisms for fugitive hydrogen emissions, where hydrogen might be released into the atmosphere through unintended leaks (such as from joints, pipework or storage), plus deliberate purging and venting.

According to the report, there is increasing evidence showing hydrogen to be an indirect greenhouse gas that inhibits the breakdown of methane in the atmosphere. Understanding potential fugitive hydrogen emissions will help inform BEIS policy development in relation to future hydrogen energy systems.

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In a statement Frazer-Nash’s Stephen Livermore, who led the study, said: “As the report notes, hydrogen is likely to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of the UK’s future energy system. By understanding where and how much hydrogen may be emitted government can explore technologies to reduce these emissions and consider their potential implications in relation to Net Zero 2050 decarbonisation goals.