The UKERC Podcast – Hydrogen, HeatPumps and the Future of Energy Demand with Sara Walker

In this episode of the Talking Energy podcast, Professor Sara Walker discusses the growing role of hydrogen in the future energy system and its potential contribution to decarbonising the gas grid. The conversation explores how integrating hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure could significantly reduce carbon emissions while supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Professor Walker also highlights the importance of addressing energy demand, examining how technologies such as heat pumps can play a critical role in reducing household emissions. The discussion touches on the practical challenges of energy transition, including the skills gap in both traditional gas and renewable technology installation.

As the episode concludes, Professor Walker reflects on three key changes she believes are necessary on the demand side of energy to accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Professor Walker is a Professor of Energy and Co-Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute at the University of Birmingham. She also serves as Director of the Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions (HI-ACT) and Co-Director of the UKRI Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC), where her work focuses on integrating hydrogen and energy demand solutions to support the transition to net-zero energy systems.

Listen on Spotify.