My prediction is that in 2050 in the UK and hopefully worldwide, there will be two sort of large scale Gas Networks delivering energy for heating: a non-fossil synthetic / bio-methane (with up to 20% Hydrogen) and a fully 100% hydrogen Network be it from fossil fuels with Carbon Capture and Storage (Blue Hydrogen) or from electrolysis from Green electricity.
To get there we need to grow market for bio-methane using the existing Gas Networks. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) helps this. Changes to regulation and billing will help also.