The Next Chapter of Home Heating
The UK’s journey to net-zero by 2050 is driving a transformation in how we heat our homes. Traditional fossil gas is under scrutiny, and hydrogen has emerged as a promising low-carbon alternative. In fact, the government has indicated that from 2026 onwards, new heating appliances, such as boilers, may need to be “hydrogen-ready” to support this transition. Hydrogen-ready gas fires are at the forefront of this change. We have been ensuring our gas fire range is ready for a hydrogen-powered future.
What Does “Hydrogen-Ready” Mean for Gas Fires?
“Hydrogen-ready” gas fires are designed to run on today’s natural gas supply while being prepared for tomorrow’s hydrogen fuel. This means a hydrogen-ready fire can operate on the usual methane gas, but also safely burn a blend of natural gas with hydrogen, typically up to 20% hydrogen mixed with 80% methane, with no modifications. These appliances are built so that, with minor adjustments by a qualified engineer, they can be converted to run on 100% hydrogen in the future. In other words, a hydrogen-ready gas fire gives you the best of both worlds: warmth and reliability now, plus easy adaptation to clean fuel later.
A hydrogen-ready fire looks and performs like any modern gas fire. You still enjoy a lively flame picture and excellent heat output. The difference lies in the engineering; components such as burners, seals, and controls are developed to handle the unique properties of hydrogen, a lighter gas that burns with zero carbon emissions. The result is an appliance that produces heat and a flame using current fuels, but can switch to. This future-proof design means homeowners won’t be left with outdated equipment if the gas grid moves to hydrogen in the coming years.
Why Hydrogen-Ready Technology Matters for 2026 and Beyond
Starting in 2026, the UK’s heating landscape is set for change. Government policy is strongly hinting that new heating systems should be hydrogen-ready as part of the push toward net-zero carbon emissions. A reason is the potential for lower greenhouse gas emissions: even blending 20% hydrogen into the existing gas grid could cut about 6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year in the UK. That’s a significant step towards cleaner air, achieved with relatively minor changes to our infrastructure and appliances.
Equally important, a hydrogen-ready mandate ensures that any new gas fire or boiler installed after 2026 won’t become stranded technology. By then, the government will make an evidence-based decision on whether to roll out hydrogen as a widespread heating fuel. If the decision is agreed, homes and businesses will need appliances that can handle hydrogen. Our foresight in developing hydrogen-ready gas fires means customers and installers can confidently invest now, knowing these products are equipped for the future of fuel.
From a practical standpoint, hydrogen-ready fires also minimise disruption. Instead of replacing an entire fireplace when the fuel changes, homeowners can keep their existing unit and have an installer perform a straightforward conversion to full hydrogen operation. The conversion might involve swapping a burner or adjusting controls, but it won’t require altering the fireplace structure or gas pipework. For the trade professionals, this means shorter, simpler upgrade visits rather than complex new installations. Embracing hydrogen-ready technology now is about staying ahead of regulations, supporting the environment, and ensuring a smooth transition in the heating industry.
Our Hydrogen-Ready Range
We have invested heavily in making sure our gas fires are future-proof. Many of the models across our range are already certified as 20% hydrogen blend-ready, meaning they’ll run on a gas mix containing up to one-fifth hydrogen without any adjustments. In fact, as early as 2022, we announced a long list of fires meeting this standard, from contemporary hole-in-the-wall fireplaces to classic inset hearth fires and even free-standing gas stoves.
Below are a few of our hydrogen-ready fires, showcasing the variety and innovation in this lineup:
Paragon P5 (Conventional Flue): A grand glass-fronted inset fire rated at 5.7 kW output (net efficiency 83%). The P5’s impressive flame fills a wide glass window, set in a sleek frame that fits most standard chimney openings.
It features a realistic High Definition log fuel bed and is certified 20% hydrogen blend ready, making it a powerful centrepiece that’s ready for lower-carbon gas.
Paragon P11 (Conventional Flue): A versatile large-format fire (4.4 kW output, 80% efficient) designed for flexibility in installation. The P11 can be fitted into a wall or within a fireplace suite, thanks to its slim firebox design. It offers a panoramic flame view through its wide glass and comes with Bluetooth remote control convenience. Like the P5, it’s fully hydrogen-ready (up to 20% blend), so it delivers ambience and warmth today with an easy path to 100% hydrogen in the future.
Infinity 780FL Mk2 (Conventional Flue): A luxury “hole-in-the-wall” style gas fire that makes a bold statement. The 780FL provides up to 5.6 kW of heat with 80% efficiency from a large panoramic glass front. It can be installed frameless for a truly modern look or combined with an elegant surround. This model set the trend for wide-format fires and includes premium touches like a thermostatic remote control and optional decorative liners. Importantly, it’s a 20% hydrogen blend-ready, so its cutting-edge design is matched by future-ready engineering.
Infinity 890HD (Balanced Flue): An extra-wide landscape fire perfect for homes without a chimney. The 890HD balanced flue is designed for direct wall venting, offering a stunning ribbon of flame across a long fire bed. Despite its size, it boasts an outstanding 91% efficiency and a comfortable 4.85 kW heat output. Homeowners love its contemporary look (whether installed with sleek plastered edges or limestone slips), and installers appreciate the zero-clearance framing kit that makes fitting easier. This model is also hydrogen-ready for 20% gas blends, combining top-of-the-line performance with green credentials.
Paragon Edge Gas Stoves (CF & BF): For those who prefer a freestanding stove aesthetic with the convenience of gas, the Paragon Edge series delivers. These stove-style gas fires (available in conventional flue and balanced flue versions) feature classic cast-iron looks with a large viewing window. Models like the Edge 3S offer a charming log flame display in a timeless stove body. Behind the traditional appearance lies modern tech, high-efficiency burn, remote controls, and yes, hydrogen-ready engineering. The Edge stoves are certified for 20% hydrogen mix like the rest of the range, so customers can enjoy vintage style that’s ready for a future fuel switch.
Our commitment to hydrogen-ready products means there’s a solution for every taste and installation scenario. From 16″ inset fires that fit an existing hearth to rustic gas stoves. Each of the models above operates fine on natural gas today, and each can be transitioned to hydrogen in the coming years with minimal fuss. This extensive range gives both consumers and heating professionals peace of mind that investing in a Charlton & Jenrick gas fire now is a sound choice.
Benefits for Homeowners and Trade Professionals
Hydrogen-ready gas fires bring tangible advantages not only for those living in the home, but also for those working in the heating and fireplace industry. Here are some key benefits from each perspective:
Lower Carbon Footprint (Homeowners): By using a proportion of hydrogen, a hydrogen-ready fire can significantly cut the carbon emissions of home heating. Even at a 20% hydrogen blend, carbon dioxide output drops sharply; on a national scale, this shift could reduce CO₂ emissions by 6 million tonnes per year. For environmentally conscious homeowners, choosing a hydrogen-ready fire means you’re actively contributing to cleaner air and climate goals without sacrificing comfort. If the appliance later runs on 100% hydrogen, your fireplace’s direct CO₂ emissions would essentially fall to zero, since hydrogen emits only water vapour when burned.
Future-Proof Peace of Mind (Homeowners): Investing in a hydrogen-ready gas fire now is like buying insurance against future changes. You get to enjoy a modern, efficient gas fire immediately, and you won’t face an expensive appliance swap if the local gas supply transitions to hydrogen. These fires are built so that, with a simple upgrade by an engineer, they can switch from natural gas to 100% hydrogen in the future. No major renovations or new installations needed, your fireplace stays in place. This futureproofing offers peace of mind that your home will stay warm and up-to-date with minimal hassle, even as energy infrastructure evolves.
Straightforward Conversion (Trade): For Gas Safe installers and fireplace retailers, hydrogen-ready appliances are a forward-thinking offering without additional hassle. They install just like any other modern gas fire. When the time comes to convert to full hydrogen, the process is streamlined and efficient, typically just changing out burners or injectors and updating control settings. This means shorter service appointments and happy customers. Rather than retrofitting entire systems, technicians can perform a quick conversion and verify the appliance for hydrogen use
No Compromise on Performance (Everyone): A common concern with new green technologies is whether they perform as well as the tried-and-true products. With Charlton & Jenrick’s hydrogen-ready gas fires, there is no trade-off in warmth or efficiency. These models deliver the same, or better heat output and high efficiencies as the best traditional gas fires on the market. For example, the Infinity 890HD achieves up to 91% efficiency on natural gas. The inclusion of hydrogen capability doesn’t change the day-to-day operation for the homeowner; your fire will still provide instant heat at the press of a button, a stunning flame, and responsive control.
Ready to Embrace Hydrogen-Ready Heating?
With 2026 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore our range of hydrogen-ready gas fires. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your living room or a heating installer planning your next project, we have a solution that combines style, efficiency, and future-fuel adaptability.
Explore the Range:
Visit our gas fires online or a local Charlton & Jenrick showroom to see these fires in person. Our downloadable brochures and technical guides are also available for those who want to dive deeper into specifications and installation details. Don’t wait until 2026 is upon us, future-proof your heating today and enjoy the warmth and confidence that comes with a Charlton & Jenrick hydrogen-ready gas fire.
