Remeha hydrogen admixture boilers first to be Kiwa certified
APELDOORN – As the first Dutch certification body, Kiwa has certified various Remeha boilers for the use of natural gas blended with up to 20% hydrogen. The energy transition in the Netherlands is in full swing and one of the ways to reduce CO₂ emissions is by adding hydrogen to natural gas, a process also known as admixture.
Adding hydrogen to natural gas is relatively easy. The network operator adds hydrogen to the natural gas network, using the existing infrastructure and certified boilers. Various Remeha boilers currently have a Kiwa certification for using natural gas blended with hydrogen up to 20%. As far as Remeha and Kiwa are concerned, the Netherlands can start using hydrogen admixture boilers tomorrow.
Significant CO₂ reduction
‘Blending hydrogen into the natural gas network is the most pragmatic way to quickly make a big step in the CO₂ reduction goals we are pursuing,’ says Marco Bijkerk, manager innovative technologies at Remeha. ‘With these new central heating boilers, Remeha clearly demonstrates we can and will contribute to CO₂ reduction as of now. Blending natural gas and hydrogen is a proven way to reduce CO₂ emissions. ‘Mixing natural gas with 20% hydrogen gas leads to a significant CO₂ reduction of 8%.’
Hydrogen pioneer
Kiwa already demonstrated last year that network operators can relatively easy adapt the gas network for the distribution of natural gas blended with hydrogen. The development of hydrogen-suitable systems for central heating and hot water supply is a logical consequence. However, a lot of sustainably generated energy is needed to fully switch to hydrogen. Currently, 20% admixture is a realistic measure, since the amount of available hydrogen is still very limited. ‘Kiwa plays a pioneering role in new applications of hydrogen,’ says Falco Thuis, business unit manager at Kiwa. ‘Kiwa and Remeha have a long-term partnership in the field of new technologies such as the application of hydrogen.’
The next step
In the Rozenburg district of Rotterdam, Remeha and Kiwa are already testing a 100% hydrogen boiler. The entire chain is being examined: generation of green electricity, electrolysis and transport via existing pipes to the Remeha Hydra, a 100% hydrogen central heating boiler. The tests with fully hydrogen powered boiler systems will be further expanded in 2020 to other districts throughout the Netherlands. Remeha foresees an important role for hydrogen in the Dutch energy transition because of:
- No CO₂ emissions;
- Use of existing gas infrastructure;
- Large-scale storage of sustainable energy
About Remeha
Remeha constantly develops innovative and energy-efficient products for climate control and heat and hot water, both for homes and utilities. With its innovations, Remeha strives to anticipate the wishes and needs of today and in the future in the best possible way. With over 500 employees, Remeha provides a contemporary interpretation of development, production and market approach, with which it has grown into a leading manufacturer in the Netherlands and in Europe. Remeha is one of the main brands within BDR Thermea Group, an internationally leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative heating systems, hot water systems and related services. BDR Thermea Group products are sold in 100 countries worldwide.
About Kiwa
Kiwa is one of the world's top 20 organizations in the field of testing, inspection and certification (TIC). With services for certification, inspection, testing, training and consultancy, Kiwa helps customers to improve confidence in their products, services, processes, (management) systems and employees. Kiwa is a knowledge partner in the field of energy issues. Together with governments, the business community, network operators, local energy cooperatives, educational institutions and other parties in the energy sector, Kiwa is working on sustainable solutions for the future energy supply. More than 4,300 people work at Kiwa from more than 100 offices in more than 30 countries in all parts of the world, mainly in Europe, Asia and South America.