Why Advanced Valve Technology Holds the Key to Clean Combustion in HVAC Systems

By Yussef Abou-Ghanem, Product Marketing Manager, Discrete Automation Group at Emerson

As decarbonization goals grow more urgent, homeowners and building operators are increasingly adopting high-efficiency electric HVAC systems. These systems promise to lower greenhouse gas emissions when powered by renewable energy. However, today’s electric grid is not fully equipped to support widespread electrification, especially during peak demand, and while progress is being made, only around 40% of Europe’s electricity currently comes from renewable sources¹.

Hydrogen fuel presents a promising alternative to support the clean transformation of HVAC systems. Unlike electricity from the grid, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity on-site, independently, and with zero carbon emissions. They can power electric HVAC systems without straining utility infrastructure, particularly during temperature extremes when HVAC use spikes.

Hydrogen can also enhance heat pump efficiency, especially in colder climates where traditional electric heat pumps struggle. As hydrogen fuel cells offer high efficiency and minimal emissions, they could become a key enabler of grid-independent, decarbonized HVAC systems.

Beyond heat pumps, hydrogen can help increase the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of burners and boilers. Hydrogen combustion produces no carbon dioxide, and when paired with condensing technology, it can provide clean and efficient thermal water heating. Emerging innovations include tankless water heaters with hydrogen blending capabilities and residential fuel cell boilers that supply both heat and power.

Industrial furnaces and burners can also leverage hydrogen as a fuel source, and by integrating advanced valve technologies, such as high turndown ratio valves and precision control systems, facilities can minimize fuel waste, reduce nitrous oxide emissions, and ensure stable, efficient combustion

Selecting hydrogen-compatible safety shut-off valves and components is critical, as hydrogen’s small molecular size can cause embrittlement and leakage if not properly managed.

Hydrogen’s success in Europe depends on safe, certified components and a rapidly expanding infrastructure. With major investments from the EU and national governments, such as the European Hydrogen Bank and cross-border hydrogen corridor initiatives, the path toward scalable hydrogen use is gaining momentum².

To support the hydrogen economy and meet net-zero goals, the HVAC industry must continue advancing hydrogen fuel applications alongside electric solutions. With its clean combustion and ability to generate power independently of the grid, hydrogen offers a transformative path for decarbonizing residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling. Realizing this potential, however, depends on more than fuel choice. It requires selecting the right technologies to ensure safe and efficient system integration. In particular, advanced valve solutions play a critical role. Valves engineered for hydrogen must deliver high flow capacity, precise control, and certified safety under demanding conditions. Components that meet EN161 Class A standards, such as the ASCO™ Series 158/159 motorized gas safety shut-off valve and actuator from Emerson (Fig. 1), are designed to support long-term reliability, stable combustion, and reduced emissions in boilers, burners, and other HVAC equipment.

By partnering with experienced providers and choosing the right components for hydrogen-fueled systems, HVAC manufacturers can simplify integration, enhance performance, and accelerate the shift to a cleaner energy future.

1. Source: https://sustainabilityonline.net/renewable-energy/share-of-renewable-electricity-in-the-eu-fell-in-q1-2025/
2. Source: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/eus-energy-system/hydrogen/european-hydrogen-bank_en

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