Industry leaders in the UK’s clean energy sector have unveiled a new strategic plan aimed at equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to leverage hydrogen as a key component in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The initiative, titled Empowering The Future: A Strategic Skills Plan for the UK Hydrogen Economy, has been released by the Hydrogen Skills Alliance (HSA) and addresses pressing challenges related to workforce development in the hydrogen sector.
One of the primary recommendations of the plan is the establishment of a national Hydrogen Skills Academy, which would collaborate with employers nationwide to ensure local workforces are trained in specialised skills tailored for the hydrogen industry. The Academy’s aim would be to bridge the gap between education and the practical needs of the sector, responding to the rapidly changing landscape of hydrogen-related employment.
Current projections indicate a significant
increase in jobs related to hydrogen, from approximately 1,600 today to an estimated 29,000 by 2030. These positions are expected to span a range of functions including hydrogen production, transmission, transportation, and storage, reflecting the growing emphasis on hydrogen in the energy transition.
The HSA, founded in 2023 by the skills charity Cogent Skills and the National Composites Centre, has brought together over 50 organisations across the UK. This collaborative effort encompasses industry, academia, government and training providers, all focused on addressing existing skills gaps and fostering innovation in the hydrogen sector.
Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a vital
energy source in the UK government’s ambition to position the country as a leader in clean energy. It is the most abundant element in the universe and, when harnessed correctly, provides a clean, versatile alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to emissions reduction efforts and aiding in the decarbonisation of various industrial sectors.
As the UK strives toward its net zero targets, the skills and workforce development strategies highlighted in the new plan will be crucial to unlocking the potential of hydrogen and ensuring a sustainable future in energy production and consumption.