What are the skills and competencies needed for the green hydrogen workforce and how can they be developed?

Given the absolute urgency and absolute necessity engineering (or 'hardware') solutions and the fact these will be >20% CAGR markets for decades, there is a substantial lack of focus on engineering & truly woeful lack of focus on electrochemistry/materials chemistry necessary to support this development! This needs to be a public education campaign paired with massive ramp-up in training capacity at research universities. Achieving True Zero CO2 is a far more important event than the Space Race, which galvanized a generation & inspired decades of innovation. Many young people feel directionless on how to impact the future - without question, these are the fields that will make the energy transformation and total decarbonization a reality.

The use of green hydrogen has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in challenging sectors, including heavy industry and long-distance transportation. Additionally, it can serve as a means of storing energy from renewable sources, like wind and solar, to enhance their reliability. The production of green hydrogen is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and advance economic growth. It is a global market, and countries can export it to other nations. The future outlook for green hydrogen is promising, given the continuous reduction in renewable energy costs, and the rising demand for green fuels, making it increasingly competitive.

Electrolysis involves passing an electric current through water, causing it to break down into its constituent elements. This process is conducted in an electrolyzer, which typically consists of two electrodes submerged in water. When powered by electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind farms, the electrolyzer facilitates the separation of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, yielding green hydrogen. This method of production is crucial for environmental sustainability as it avoids carbon emissions associated with traditional hydrogen production. The use of renewable energy ensures that the entire lifecycle of green hydrogen, from production to end-use, is environmentally friendly.

Skills and competencies needed for the green hydrogen workforce include: 1. Technical knowledge on hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization technologies is essential. 2. Renewable energy expertise: Proficiency in solar and wind energy systems is necessary since green H2is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. 3. Engineering and design skills: The ability to design, optimize, and maintain hydrogen production facilities. 4. Project management: Effective project management skills are needed. 5. Policy and regulatory knowledge: Understanding the policies/regulations 6. Problem-solving and innovation: The ability to identify and solve technical challenges 7. Public participation.

It is critical, that we view a viable workforce through the lens of talent acquisition as technology. Given the current labor shortages across industries, it i critical that a concerted effort be made to ensure that BIPOC have access to this industry as an economic mobility strategy. If hydrogen is the new "oil" we must ensure that opportunities to participate are democratized.

Efficient and safe hydrogen storage is a crucial component of the hydrogen storage value chain. Large-scale hydrogen storage is essential for its widespread use as a fuel source and for various other hydrogen applications. It also facilitates using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which can generate hydrogen through electrolysis. Therefore, the development of reliable and effective hydrogen storage technologies is critical for the success of the hydrogen economy.

I have identified several areas where improvements can be made in the green hydrogen value chain: Firstly, the cost of renewable energy must be reduced. This is a major obstacle that requires the attention of both governments and businesses. Secondly, there is a need to improve the efficiency of electrolysis systems. This will contribute to the decrease in the cost of green hydrogen. Thirdly, new and innovative storage technologies must be developed to make green hydrogen more accessible and user-friendly. Lastly, it is important to create new markets for green hydrogen by developing new end-use applications. This will drive demand and increase the viability of this sustainable energy source.

Effectively managing the green hydrogen value chain involves optimizing the integration of renewable energy, deploying efficient electrolysis operations, implementing comprehensive storage and transportation strategies, and developing flexible distribution networks. Standardizing technology, considering lifecycle sustainability, and fostering market development through incentives are crucial aspects. Collaboration with end-users, including industries transitioning to green hydrogen, is essential, along with continuous innovation and research to improve efficiency and discover new applications. By addressing these elements, stakeholders can contribute to a seamless, sustainable, and scalable transition to green hydrogen.

The development of career pathways and requirements for employment across the four stages is key. Educators are not experts in career counseling and often lack awareness about industry demands outside of academia. A campaign to educate educators and trainers pk-12 and beyond must start with preparing a broader cadre of trainers, and teachers, regardless of the location of the classroom or age of the student to become career-ready and agile as the green economy emerges.

I have listed the following ways to develop the green hydrogen skills and competencies: 1. Formal education and training: Some universities and colleges offer programs specifically focused on green hydrogen engineering, technology, and management. 2. Informal training: There are many workshops, webinars, and online courses available that can help the workforce stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the green hydrogen field. 3. On-the-job training: On-the-job training can help the workforce gain specific skills and knowledge. 4. Self-study: Self-study can be a great way to get started in the green hydrogen field. LinkedIn posts on green hydrogen can be a good source for Self-study too.

I believe some of the important notes to take away from this point is that green hydrogen is a new concept and technology and there are only a handful of projects globally. Given this, we need to be mindful that a large component of developing the GH-economy will come down to looking at skills that are transferrable from other industries and hiring staff with the right soft skills. Soft skills include a curious and entrepreneurial nature, a problem-solving and innovative attitude, being able to be comfortable with the unknown and remaining agile. When it comes to gaining on-the-job training businesses and employees will need to be patient and comfortable with the fact that many staff will need to take initiative and "self-upskill".

Competency-based instruction in the renewable energy space does not solely belong to those in STEM fields at the high school or collegiate levels. There are core interpersonal and workplace skills that all workers need. The content or academic knowledge that is skill-specific should be layered upon it.

I emphasize the need for a holistic and future-oriented strategy that aligns with industry growth and societal benefit. A roadmap needs to be in place to identify a range of short, medium, and long-term actions to deliver on this vision, focused on: Building a pipeline of skilled, adaptable workers for the hydrogen industry Sharing knowledge to support hydrogen skills, training, and safety Maximizing the benefits of hydrogen for communities through a local approach to skills, training, and workforce development Using data insights to plan for industry workforce needs over time.

Cross-sector collaboration is crucial for the growth of the green hydrogen industry, especially when it comes to developing and implementing effective education and training programs. To achieve this, businesses, governments, educational institutions, and industry must work together. Workers in the green hydrogen industry must have access to up-to-date learning opportunities, given the rapid evolution of the industry. This will ensure that they keep up with the latest technologies and practices.

Curriculum development should be a collaborative experience among employers, educators, and employees. Workforce advisory boards would be wise to consider a means by which to collect best practices for teaching core content by creating an assessment system that focuses on declarative and procedural knowledge that is differentiated and measurable.

Developing effective education and training involves a holistic approach, covering a comprehensive curriculum that spans the entire value chain and integrates interdisciplinary knowledge. Hands-on training opportunities, industry collaboration, and the incorporation of sustainability concepts are key aspects, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the field. Utilizing digital learning platforms and emphasizing certifications and accreditation enhances accessibility and credibility. Ongoing professional development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and government support further contribute to a dynamic and skilled workforce. Additionally, awareness and outreach programs attract individuals in the growing green hydrogen sector.

Among these careers, there are a multitude of additional career pathways from safety specialists, and power plant managers, to communications and PR specialists right through to financial modellers.

Embarking on a career pathway in green hydrogen typically begins with entry-level positions such as Hydrogen Technician or Research Assistant, providing foundational knowledge. Progression involves transitioning into technical and operational roles like Electrolysis Operator or Project Coordinator. Specialized roles, including Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engineer or Safety Specialist, follow as expertise deepens. Advancing to project management positions and leadership roles, such as Director of Hydrogen Strategy or Chief Technology Officer, marks the mid-career stage. Later career stages may involve influencing policy as a Policy Analyst, advocating for the industry, or contributing to education as a Hydrogen Technology Educator.

For many years now, hydrogen has been used across various industries. If we are to establish a sustainable green hydrogen workforce, one potential solution could be to capitalize on the skills and knowledge of those already involved in the oil and gas sector or other industrial facilities that deal with hydrogen and have experience working with hydrogen.

The workforce development in green hydrogen faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled professionals with specialized knowledge in hydrogen technologies, as the sector is relatively nascent. The interdisciplinary nature of green hydrogen, involving elements of renewable energy, chemistry, and engineering, poses challenges in developing comprehensive educational pathways. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Initiatives to develop tailored educational programs, enhance industry-academic partnerships, and establish clear career pathways can address skill shortages. Governments and organizations can capitalize on investing in workforce training, fostering a skilled and diverse workforce.