Considering the fast-paced deployment of the hydrogen ecosystem, a trained workforce will be needed to deliver on the European hydrogen strategy objectives, and the strategies of member states and regions. Well aware of the importance of this issue, Hydrogen Europe Research and Hydrogen Europe have decided to establish a joint Working Group on Skills.

Two co-chairs were elected on March 15 from each association to steer the activities of the Working Group: Prof. Steinberger-Wilckens (Hydrogen Europe Research) and Massimo Valsania (Hydrogen Europe).

Prof. Steinberger-Wilckens is a Physicist by training with a specialisation in renewable energies. He has been active in the areas of renewable energies, energy efficiency, hydrogen, fuel cells, and electric vehicles over the past 30 years, both in business and academic contexts. He holds the chair for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research at the University of Birmingham, leading a group of 55 lecturers, PostDocs and PhD students, one of the largest academic units working in this field worldwide. His personal research interests cover fuel cell materials and design, system integration, green hydrogen production, and socio-techno-economical issues of hydrogen and fuel cell employment.

Massimo Valsania is the responsible of Engineering team of EthosEnergy, Independent Service Provider of Energy sector (JV of Siemens Energy and Wood). Massimo has a mechanical engineering degree and an Executive master’s in business administration, with more than 12 years’ experience in gas turbine technology and how they can be converted to support energy transition. He is coordinating Ethosenergy interaction with the universities.

The Working Group aims at reflecting on the topic of skills, trainings and education in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells. Members from both organisations are welcome to participate in the activities.