EPALE - Plataforma Eletrónica para a Educação de Adultos na Europa

This article has been written as part of the project 2023-1-PL01-KA220-VET-000159821 Professionals and their skills in the hydrogen sector co-funded by the European Union in partnership with the "Zielona Chemia" Cluster from Poland.

Authors: 

Ph.D. DSc. Eng. Bożena Gajdzik, assoc. prof., Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland, Expert at EDU SMART TC LIMITED Ireland  

Ph.D. Aleksandra Ścibich Kopiec, Foundation of Education, Development and Innovation "FERI" Poland  

Ph.D. Researcher Aleksandra Marcinkowska, EDU SMART TC LIMITED Ireland  

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Hydrogen technology forms a massive cycle, aligning itself with the natural water cycle in the environment. The growing hydrogen sector will require the adaptation of existing market qualifications to meet the needs of emerging supply chains and hydrogen usage. The development of professional competence and a comprehensive map of competencies are essential for the growth of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. Through strategic educational programs, industry training, research initiatives, and supportive policies, Ireland is building a skilled workforce capable of driving the hydrogen economy forward. Best practices, as seen in projects like EIH2's green hydrogen production and Dublin's hydrogen bus trial, underscore the potential for hydrogen to play a significant role in Ireland’s sustainable energy future.

Key Technical Competencies for the Hydrogen Sector

Technical competence is fundamental for the hydrogen sector. This includes knowledge of the following areas:

- Hydrogen Production Technologies

- Infrastructure Development

- System Integration

- Safety and Regulatory Compliance

- Regulatory Frameworks

- Safety Protocols

- Risk Management

Hydrogen Production Technologies

Proficiency in electrolysis, steam methane reforming (SMR), and other hydrogen production methods is crucial. Professionals must understand the underlying principles, operational parameters, and optimization techniques for these technologies.

Infrastructure Development

Skills in designing, building, and maintaining hydrogen infrastructure, including pipelines, storage facilities, and refueling stations, are critical for ensuring a reliable and efficient hydrogen supply chain.

System Integration

Expertise in integrating hydrogen systems with existing energy grids, industrial processes, and transportation networks is necessary to maximize the benefits of hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Safety is a paramount concern in the hydrogen sector due to the highly flammable nature of hydrogen. Knowledge of safety measures related to the production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency response planning are necessary. Understanding of EU and national regulations governing the hydrogen sector, such as environmental standards, safety codes, and certification requirements  and competence in assessing and mitigating risks associated with hydrogen technologies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and best practices are very needed for those working in the hydrogen sector.

Environmental and Sustainability Expertise

The hydrogen sector's contribution to a sustainable energy future depends on its environmental credentials. Key skills include ability to conduct comprehensive life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of hydrogen technologies, from production to end-use. Moreover, at the stage of prototyping green hydrogen production technologies and their storage, the LCA method should be expanded to include economic factors. Potential users of new technologies expect a quick return on investment (ROI). Implementation of sustainable practices in hydrogen production and usage, ensuring minimal carbon footprint and adherence to circular economy principles is necessary. 

Project Management and Financing

Successful hydrogen projects require effective project management and financing skills. Key competencies include:

- Project Planning and Execution: Skills in planning, executing, and managing hydrogen projects, including feasibility studies, resource allocation, and timeline management.

-Financing and Budgeting: Understanding financing mechanisms, subsidies, and incentives available for hydrogen projects within the EU framework, as well as skills in budgeting and cost management.

- Stakeholder Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector partners, and the community, to ensure project support and success.

Research and Innovation

Continuous innovation is vital for advancing hydrogen technologies. R&D capabilities and advanced research skills to drive innovation in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization technologies, ensuring continuous improvement and competitiveness are necessary. The ability to translate research findings into practical, scalable solutions, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application is one of the most important skills.

Summary

A competence map outlines the specific skills and knowledge areas required for various roles within the hydrogen sector. In Ireland, this map of competencies is aligned with EU regulations and trends, ensuring that the workforce is prepared to meet the industry's demands. By fostering professional competence and continuously updating the map of competencies, Ireland is well-positioned to become a leader in the global hydrogen economy, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.

Bibliography

1. European Commission. "A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe." COM(2020) 301 final.

2. European Commission. "The European Green Deal." COM(2019) 640 final.

3. European Commission. "Fit for 55: delivering the EU's 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality." COM(2021) 550 final.

4. Clean Hydrogen Alliance. "Mission and Goals." European Commission, 2020.

5. Shannon Foynes Port Company. "Hydrogen Production Facility." Shannon Foynes Port, 2023.

6. Dublin Bus. "Hydrogen Bus Trial." Dublin Bus, 2023.

7. University of Limerick. "Renewable Energy and Energy Management Postgraduate Course." University of Limerick, 2024.

8. Irish Hydrogen Association (IHA). "Training and Seminars." Irish Hydrogen Association, 2024.

9. MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy. "Research Focus and Initiatives." MaREI Centre, 2024.

10. Government of Ireland. "National Hydrogen Strategy." Government of Ireland, 2023.

11. B. Gajdzik , D. Siwiec, R. Wolniak, A. Pacana, Approaching open innovation in customization frameworks for product prototypes with emphasis on quality and life cycle assessment (QLCA). Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, ISSN , e-ISSN 2199-8531, Quarterly, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100268.