- Japanese company, Rinnai, has successfully developed the world’s first 100% hydrogen combustion technology for residential water heaters.
The company has conducted extensive research into combustion technology and technologies to control gases, such as air and fuel, and gained experience in practical applications that led to the development of a 100% hydrogen water heater. “This represents the world’s first successful development of 100% hydrogen combustion technology for residential applications, where stricter usage conditions apply. It will contribute significantly to realizing carbon neutrality in residential water heaters, which account for a large proportion of CO2 emitted by household appliances,” the company said in a statement.
Currently, gas and electricity are the mainstay fuels used in residential water heaters in Japan and the rest of the world. For hydrogen-burning water heaters, the spread of hydrogen infrastructure is a prerequisite for achieving carbon neutrality. Major countries are aiming for zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and taking measures to promote renewable energy and the use of hydrogen as an energy source.
In Australia, for example, initial steps are being taken with a view to using 100% hydrogen as a residential energy source, and Rinnai plans to start demonstration tests there in October 2022 to make this a reality. From there, the company will further enhance the technology and improve the reliability of hydrogen water heaters for mass production in line with the spread of hydrogen infrastructure around the world.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
