Hydrogen not cost effective for home heating, says Federation following First Minister comments

Federation urges Government and industry to prioritise proven solutions like heat pumps and building upgrades.

Following First Minister John Swinney’s recent comments in The Scotsman describing hydrogen for heating as a “new prospect” and a “really exciting opportunity,” the Plumbing and Heating Federation cautions that hydrogen is “neither cost-effective nor efficient” for domestic heating.

Instead, the Federation calls on policymakers to fast-track proven low-carbon options such as heat pumps, heat networks and comprehensive building upgrades.

Scott Sanford, Technical and Skills Manager at the Federation said:  

“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.

“That leaves little room for its use in heating our homes, especially given that producing green hydrogen typically requires more renewable energy than heat pumps. 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.

“Homeowners, landlords and businesses need clarity and confidence about which technologies are truly safe, affordable, and effective as we transition to low-carbon heating.”

About SNIPEF

The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) is the leading trade association for the plumbing and heating profession, representing over 750 member businesses across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Guided by its vision of ‘Enabling Professionalism,’ SNIPEF is dedicated to advancing the profession through comprehensive skills development, supporting over 1,000 plumbing apprentices annually, and upskilling the existing workforce.

This commitment underscores SNIPEF’s aim to support growth, competitiveness, and sustainability in the profession, reinforcing its belief that professionalism drives excellence in plumbing and heating.