Gas-fired heaters from Mark suitable for 20% hydrogen gas admixture

Sustainable heating with hydrogen gas

The energy transition is happening. Most of the energy we currently use comes from fossil fuels. The extraction of this causes a lot of damage to nature and the environment. To slow down climate change as much as possible, a switch will have to take place from fossil fuels to sustainable energy.

Mark Eire is also preparing for this. In the effort to disconnect hundreds of thousands of buildings from natural gas in the coming years, hydrogen gas, among other things, will be able to make a valuable contribution. That is why Mark has already made its gas-fired air heaters and radiant heaters suitable for natural gas with a 20% hydrogen gas admixture. The technical department at Mark is busy getting the gas-fired products certified for 100% hydrogen gas.

How is hydrogen gas formed?

In recent years, a lot has been invested in wind turbines and solar parks. We cannot currently store the electricity generated with this for later. This solar energy can be converted into hydrogen by means of electrolysis. Hydrogen can function as a storage medium as well as be transported. Burning hydrogen gas produces a lot of heat and pure water.

For example, in addition to heat pumps, hydrogen is a sustainable alternative to heating with natural gas. Since appliances on hydrogen gas are 100% CO2 neutral and therefore generate no emissions, they are an important part of the energy transition.

A view on the future

Research has shown that the natural gas network is also suitable for hydrogen gas. The existing infrastructure could, with minor adjustments, be used for the transport of hydrogen. However, the transition from natural gas to hydrogen will have to take place step by step and cannot be achieved overnight. There are a number of differences between the two gas types.

The combustion properties of hydrogen differ greatly from those of natural gas. For example, the combustion rate of hydrogen is much higher. A lot of condensation is also released during combustion, for which a drainage facility must be installed. The current pipeline network will have to be dimensioned 10-15% larger than for natural gas. Due to the lower calorific value of hydrogen gas, more is needed to achieve the same result.

In the future, conventional gas pipelines may be able to transport large amounts of CO2-free energy to end users. With an unprecedented dense network, this offers enormous opportunities for the future.

Alternatives for natural gas

With the developments in the current energy market and rising natural gas prices, it pays to look at alternatives. In addition to natural gas, the gas-fired air heaters and radiant heaters from Mark Eire are also suitable for:

• Propane (LPG)
• BIO Propane
• Butane
• 20% hydrogen gas (H2) admixture

Modification sets are available for already installed units, with which the heaters can be made suitable for any type of gas. Our service department can carry out the conversion for you.