Canadian German Conference on Training and Education for Wind Power and Hydrogen: My thoughts
Deric Cameron
Passionate Geophysicist | Explorationist | Seismic Interpreter | Seismic Processing QC | Seismic QI | Data Science | AI | CCUS | Wind | Hydrogen | Energy Transition | Life Long Learner | Mentor | Strategic Thinker
Thank you for the opportunity to attend:
On November 6th, 2024, I attended the Canadian German Conference on Training and Education for Wind Power and Hydrogen in Halifax. This collaborative event brought together an impressive German delegation of education and industry experts, alongside Canadian participants to discuss the growing role of wind energy and hydrogen in Atlantic Canada. With the energy transition advancing at an unprecedented pace, the conference emphasized the urgent need for skilled education and training programs in these fields to meet the demands of a clean-energy future.
The sessions emphasized the role that wind and hydrogen industries will play in Atlantic Canada and highlighted the demand for specialized training to support this growth.
One of the first presentations, from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), introduced the Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) model. The speakers insights on how Germany’s Dual VET model strengthens employability through employer partnerships and tailored skills training was interesting, as it offered a potential blueprint for building a skilled workforce in emerging sectors like hydrogen and wind power.
The Canadian perspective from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), who discussed Atlantic Canada’s unique advantages in clean energy. The presentation showed the importance of government support in fostering regional initiatives, helping to position Atlantic Canada as a leader in the hydrogen and wind industries. Then, Marine Renewables Canada highlighted the offshore wind potential in Atlantic Canada, emphasizing both the region’s capabilities and the anticipated training needs as these projects scale up.
The following sessions brought in insights from German experts who discussed best practices and innovative approaches to training for renewable energy. DVGW Technical-Scientific Association explored Germany’s hydrogen economy development, explaining how vocational education can adapt to meet this rapidly expanding sector's needs. Other German experts, from TüV NORD Akademie and from the Fraunhofer Institute, presented their organizations’ contributions to advancing sustainable energy through innovative training methods and cutting-edge technologies. These talks illustrated how German organizations have successfully integrated vocational education with industry requirements, producing a model that could be adapted to Atlantic Canada’s growing hydrogen and wind power sectors.
The next session provided a chance to exchange ideas with Canadian representatives from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Community College, and Memorial University. Dalhousie shared details about their Green Hydrogen Research Cluster, which is advancing critical research on hydrogen technology applications. NSCC & Memorial University presenters expanded on their institutions’ initiatives to prepare students for the renewable energy industry. Hearing about their programs highlighted the role local institutions play in building capacity for these emerging fields, equipping students with the skills to support sustainable projects across Atlantic Canada.
Key stakeholders/companies in Atlantic Canada’s hydrogen production shared updates on their projects. Everwind Fuels detailed their development as a green fuels hub, a crucial milestone in Nova Scotia’s energy strategy. This was followed by Simply Blue Group, who spoke on the integration of sustainable aviation fuels, and Bear Head Energy, who outlined Atlantic Canada’s first green hydrogen project. These presentations not only showcased the innovation happening locally but also underscored the pressing need for training programs to support the skilled workforce required for these projects.
Additional presentations from German experts, from move technology, discussed AI-powered knowledge solutions for green energy, and from TüV SüD Akademie, who shared insights into role-based learning paths and certifications for hydrogen technology. The closing presentations from CRATOS and from Weidmueller Interface emphasized the synergy between wind and hydrogen technologies and the importance of cross-industry collaboration.
This conference was an invaluable experience for anyone working in or aspiring to contribute to Atlantic Canada’s renewable energy landscape. The wealth of knowledge, innovative ideas, and collaborative spirit present reinforced the value of international partnerships and industry-academia collaboration in fostering a clean-energy future.
This event wasn’t only educational but truly inspiring, offering a glimpse into the future of energy in Atlantic Canada and the critical role training and education will play in achieving it and to deepen understanding, forge new connections, and explore paths forward in building a sustainable, skilled workforce ready to drive the energy transition.
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