Europe is accelerating the hydrogen transition – and with it comes a huge need for talent.
By 2030, the EU will need at least 180,000 qualified specialists, directly engaged in hydrogen technologies, in order to achieve the Green Deal targets. At the same time, the sector is expected to provide around 1 million direct and indirect jobs.
This is exactly where HyAcademy.EU comes in – a pan-European initiative that connects education, science, and industry to prepare the next generation of hydrogen experts.
What is HyAcademy.EU?
HyAcademy.EU is a platform, coordinated by 600+ educational institutions, and brings together:
- 500+ schools, 100+ universities, and a network of practical teaching/training laboratories for hydrogen.
The goal is simple: more high-quality hydrogen education, more applicable skills, and more real connections between pupils/students, teachers, researchers, and companies. HyAcademy.EU is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members, as well as by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Swiss Confederation Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) (GA 101137988).
Why is hydrogen key?
Green hydrogen is a clean energy carrier which (unlike fossil fuels) does not emit greenhouse gases when used. That is why it is among the critical solutions for decarbonisation – especially in industries and applications where electrification is difficult.
Free resources and training
For schools
- Access to educational materials, textbooks, and hydrogen training, selected/created by experts and suitable for different levels – from primary to university level.
- Joining a network of 500+ European schools and exchanging good practices.
- Free resources and staff training, as well as communication support through the website and newsletter.
➡️ Join with your school: fill in the School Network questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/e/Ex5HMhDXMk
For universities
As a partner university, you can:
- promote hydrogen courses and CPD/qualification training to a wider European audience
- take part in train-the-trainer events and formats for exchanging teaching practices
- pilot new training methods and develop mobility opportunities for teachers and students
For industry
Join early – no entry fees during the pilot phase.
As an industry partner, you receive:
- access to students for internships, projects, and thesis work
- visibility in events and educational materials + the opportunity to present your brand to 5,000+ learners
- participation in a network supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and industry leaders (e.g. BMW on the advisory board)
Membership is free during the transitional phase – you only pay when using services.
Career paths in the hydrogen sector
Hydrogen is not “just engineering” – people are needed in many roles:
- Engineering: mechanical engineer, process engineer
- Technology: automation engineer, data analyst
- Business: project manager, business planner
- Education and communication: teacher/trainer, outreach coordinator
- R&D: hydrogen scientist, fuel cell developer
- OHS/Safety: inspector, safety officer
- Law and policy: policy advisor, environmental lawyer
Hydrogen in the curriculum (an idea for teachers)
The topic can naturally be woven into:
- Natural sciences (chemistry/physics/biology), mathematics (calculations and data analysis)
- Geography (climate and infrastructure), English (writing/debates), history (energy transitions)
- A video with three “hydrogen” games suitable for pupils and students (developed within Green Skills for Hydrogen, and in collaboration with H2START and HyAcademy).
HyAcademy.EU and PermittHy
While HyAcademy.EU develops hydrogen skills and training, PermittHy is launching to help Europe implement its hydrogen projects faster and more safely – through greater competence and clarity in the processes of assessment, licensing, and permitting.
Within the project, the partners are developing guidelines and training for public administration staff and everyone involved in permitting procedures, including:
- certification bodies
- engineers and technical experts
- fire services and other frontline services
What’s coming next
- training materials in *18 official EU languages
- online and in-person training in 25 Member States and 4 associated countries
- practical hydrogen safety training
- You can read more here – BGH2A participates in the Kick-off meeting for the PermittHy project in Birmingham
To take part in HyAcademy.EU
- 🌐 Website: https://hyacademy.eu
- ✉️ General contact: info@hyacademy.eu
- 🏫 For schools (project contact): hydrogenproject@bertzassociates.net
- ✅ School Network (questionnaire): https://forms.office.com/e/Ex5HMhDXMk
