Our carbon-free vision for 2050

The way forward is clear. Smart hybrids can deliver an affordable, reliable and sustainable future for energy.

Hydrogen Cites

17 of the UK’s largest cities will be converted to run on hydrogen.

Durable plastic pipes installed in the pipe upgrade programme allow gas networks to run on hydrogen in place of natural gas through the existing system, with minimal disruption to cities and customers.

Other cities, towns and suburbs

70% of homes across the UK will have hybrid heating systems like Freedom, helping them to make the best use of the green gas and renewable energy.

By 2050, we expect that gas boilers will use only green gases – like biomethane and synthetic natural gas – making carbon-heavy natural gas obsolete for home heating.

Transport

Many heavy goods vehicles, buses and trains will be fuelled by hydrogen or green gas, significantly improving air quality. The vast majority of private cars are electric vehicles, with more than 36m on the road. Gas and electric vehicles are cleaner than diesel and will significantly improve air quality.

Power

The primary sources of electricity will be renewable. Wind, solar, tidal, marine and a small fleet of nuclear power stations supported by back up gas generation plants will keep the lights on. A small amount of electricity storage across the UK will help balance the grid, while smart hybrid systems installed in homes and businesses will enable flexibility.