Canadian energy supplier ATCO wanted to conduct technical feasibility and the demonstration of the safe use of 100% hydrogen to heat new homes in Alberta, Canada.
ATCO appointed Arup to carry out preliminary safety and quantitative risk assessments for the first pure hydrogen home in North America. The results will help guide the design of a proposed hydrogen-powered community for 80,000 residents and 37,000 homes.
Known as HomeOne, it was built by property developer Qualico at the site in Sherwood Park, near Edmonton. Our work helped build the case for eliminating carbon emissions from heating and hot water use in homes.
Conducting the hydrogen home assessment
Our technical services included leading a preliminary safety workshop with various stakeholders: representatives from Qualico, the plant and equipment contractor, and the ATCO design team.
For the demonstration, ATCO supplied 100% of the hydrogen via a mobile trailer located on the garage pad for HomeOne, within the same lot. We carried out a probability assessment covering leak, ignition and equipment failure frequencies. We also conducted dispersion modelling - a technique used to estimate how gases spread and accumulate in the air over time - to compare hydrogen concentration with natural gas build up.
Our assessment of the hydrogen home, which was opened to the public, included modelling to evaluate the potential consequences of an ignition event, such as structural collapse and secondary effects like debris and glazing throw. Towards the end of the project, we engaged with the municipality and local fire department to support final approvals.
Arup has delivered outstanding work in demonstrating the safety of hydrogen-powered homes. This pioneering project in Alberta not only highlights the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source but also provides a foundation for future low-carbon communities.
Spencer Burchett
Senior Engineer for Project Development & Strategy, ATCO Gas and Pipelines
Promoting hydrogen-powered homes worldwide
This project builds on Arup’s experience in advancing hydrogen as a clean energy source for domestic heating. It draws on lessons learnt from our participation in the UK government’s Hy4Heat innovation programme, launched in 2017 to investigate the replacement of natural gas with hydrogen for heating and cooking. It also builds on our role in the H100 Fife project in Scotland, where we supported the development of the world’s first domestic hydrogen gas network.
Furthermore, together with our partners at E4tech, we contributed to an economic impact assessment for the Scottish Government, focusing on the potential of a hydrogen economy across Scotland.
What we delivered
Led preliminary safety and quantitative risk assessments for hydrogen home, informing design and development of hydrogen-based community
Facilitated safety workshop with various stakeholders including representatives from Qualico, the plant and equipment contractor, and ATCO design team
Co-ordinated engagement with municipality and local fire department in final approval stage of project
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