Leaked DEFRA report says net zero goal may increase air pollution

New Scientist has released details that it has seen a leaked report warning that the move to using hydrogen to heat homes risks inadvertently releasing harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution in towns and cities.

The unpublished report by air quality experts for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) lays out the pros and cons for air pollution stemming from the UK’s net zero 2050 target.

The document obtained by New Scientist lists the unintended ways new carbon-cutting policies could make the air dirtier.

Hydrogen, which is backed by industry and government advisers as a key fuel to decarbonise heating, could lead to NOx emissions if burned in boilers in homes and businesses.

“The use of hydrogen as a significant energy source for domestic and commercial space heating would potentially lead to NOx emissions being concentrated in higher density population areas,” the report says.

 

 

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