(74c) Developing a Hydrogen Training Program for Effective Change Management and Tech Integration in Energy Transition

US and Canada have developed strategies to grow their respective hydrogen sectors. The US federal government announced an investment of $7 billion USD for 7 hydrogen hubs which emphasizes the need for workforce training to support hydrogen's integration into the existing energy market.

The hydrogen industry’s progress is being driven by capital investment and government policy. Equally important yet often underestimated is the development of a skilled workforce to build and maintain this new energy sector. As the hydrogen market grows, developing a well-trained labor force will be important to oversee operation of these assets safely and effectively. This paper encourages leveraging the industry's existing talent as the most effective strategy. The energy transition faces significant challenges which highlights the urgency for a comprehensive Hydrogen Training and Certification Program.

This paper explores the challenges of transitioning the existing labor force for the hydrogen industry. Given this sector's early phase, the paper applies a comprehensive approach to asset management from project initiation to operation. The study investigates the full hydrogen value chain, including (1) Hydrogen Production, (2) Storage, Transmission, and Distribution, and (3) Application. In collaboration with gas operators in North America, a gap analysis for each area was performed to determine the necessary skills and competencies. The paper proposes a strategic roadmap that focuses on essential areas to overcome these challenges and develop an in-depth hydrogen training and competency program.