Hydrogen trial Holes needed in walls to cut explosion risk

Households that have hydrogen boilers installed could be forced to drill a 4x4in hole in their wall to mitigate risks of explosion, according to recommendations in a Governmentbacked safety report.

Residents from Whitby, in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire – which is being considered for a hydrogen home heating trial – have been alarmed by recommendations in the report by Arup, a consultancy.

The report said using hydrogen could cause four times as many explosions and injuries as gas boilers without sufficient mitigations, including ventilation. It will be used to inform the trials, which are expected to go ahead from 2025.