Government backs hydrogen for home heating

Representatives from Victorian and federal governments were present for the unveiling of two new technologies from Rinnai Australia that are designed with future energy in mind.

The first is a continuous flow hot water system developed by Rinnai Japan for the domestic market, which uses 100 per cent hydrogen combustion technology. Rinnai plans to start demonstration testing in October 2022 in South Australia and Victoria to help drive the consideration of hydrogen as a residential energy source.

The second product is the new Geoflo Hybrid 22 geothermal and inverter hybrid system, designed and manufactured in Australia. According to Rinnai, this uses the company’s latest technology to “harness abundant free renewable underground energy to deliver superior energy efficiency heating and cooling all year round, while also diverting surplus energy to the generation of essentially free hot water to the home”.

“This marks a significant milestone in Australia’s shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix future, as Rinnai delivers a real solution, not a fanciful promise,” said Rinnai Australia Managing Director Greg Ellis.

In attendance for the announcement of the products at Rinnai Australia’s R&D facility earlier this month was the Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

“New investments in innovation are vital to reaching net zero by 2050 while delivering new jobs and future industries,” she said. “The technologies launched today will help give Victorian households and businesses options as we map the best pathway to net zero, supported by our nation-leading $1.6 billion investment in clean energy.”

Also in attendance was Dr Alan Finkel, Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020 and Chair of the Australian National Hydrogen Strategy adopted in 2019.

“Australia is blessed with abundant renewable energy, but the key to transitioning from fossil fuels is the demand side,” said Dr Finkel. “By introducing water heaters to run on 100 per cent hydrogen, Rinnai is making it practical for homeowners to greatly reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the convenience of rapid gas heated hot water.”

These two new products are part of what Rinnai is calling its Global Innovation Manifesto. This seeks to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.