What skills might you need?
Small to medium engineering and manufacturing businesses will require a diverse set of skills to successfully adopt and integrate hydrogen technologies. These skills encompass technical, operational, and strategic areas, ensuring that businesses can develop, implement, and manage hydrogen-related projects effectively.
Skills explained
Technical skills
- Electrochemistry and fuel cell technology: Understanding the principles of electrochemistry and how hydrogen fuel cells work is crucial for developing and maintaining hydrogen-powered systems.
- Hydrogen production and handling: Skills in producing hydrogen (e.g. through electrolysis), as well as safely storing, transporting, and handling hydrogen, are essential due to its highly flammable nature.
- Mechanical and electrical engineering: Knowledge in mechanical systems, piping, pressure management, and electrical integration is necessary for designing and implementing hydrogen systems, such as fuel cells and electrolysers.
- Automation and control systems: Proficiency in automation, sensors, and control systems is important for optimising hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation processes in a safe and efficient manner.
- Materials science: Understanding how materials interact with hydrogen, including issues like hydrogen embrittlement, is key for selecting the right materials for storage tanks, pipelines, and other components.
- Energy systems integration: Skills in integrating hydrogen systems with existing energy infrastructures, including renewables and smart grids, are vital for ensuring seamless operation.
Safety and compliance
- Health and safety expertise: Knowledge of safety protocols for working with hydrogen, including leak detection, ventilation, and emergency response, is critical to prevent accidents and ensure safe operations.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding local, national, and international regulations related to hydrogen production, storage, and usage is necessary to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.
Project management
- Project planning and execution: Skills in managing hydrogen-related projects, from planning and design to implementation and scaling, are important for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Supply chain management: Expertise in managing the supply chain for hydrogen technologies, including sourcing materials and components, managing logistics, and coordinating with suppliers, is crucial for operational efficiency.
Innovation and R&D
- Research and development: Skills in R&D are needed to innovate and improve hydrogen technologies, develop new applications, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving hydrogen economy.
- Problem-solving and adaptability: The ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical challenges related to hydrogen integration, as well as adapt to new technologies and methods, is essential.
Data analysis and digital skills
- Data analytics: Proficiency in analysing data from hydrogen systems to optimise performance, improve efficiency, and predict maintenance needs is important for maximising the benefits of hydrogen technologies.
- Digital and software skills: Familiarity with software tools used in modelling, simulation, and monitoring of hydrogen systems can enhance decision-making and operational control.
Business and strategic skills
- Market analysis and business development: Understanding the hydrogen market, including customer needs, market trends, and competitive landscape, is crucial for identifying opportunities and developing business strategies.
- Financial management: Skills in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning are necessary to assess the economic viability of hydrogen projects and secure funding.
- Strategic planning: The ability to develop long-term strategies for adopting hydrogen technologies, including setting goals, aligning with sustainability objectives, and planning for future growth, is key for business success.
Training and development
- Employee training: Skills in developing and delivering training programs to upskill workers in hydrogen technologies and safety practices are important for ensuring that the workforce is competent and confident in handling hydrogen systems.
Collaboration and communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Working effectively with a range of stakeholders, including engineers, safety experts, regulatory bodies, and customers, is crucial for the successful integration of hydrogen technologies.
- Communication skills: The ability to communicate the benefits, challenges, and technical aspects of hydrogen to both technical and non-technical audiences is important for securing buy-in from stakeholders and customers.
Who might need them?
Engineers and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineers: They will need skills in hydrogen systems design, materials selection, and integration of hydrogen technologies into existing mechanical systems.
- Electrical Engineers: Responsible for the electrical aspects of hydrogen systems, including fuel cells, electrolysers, and integration with electrical grids, they require knowledge of hydrogen’s electrical properties and safety protocols.
- Chemical Engineers: They focus on the processes of hydrogen production, handling, and storage, and will need expertise in electrochemistry and chemical safety.
- Process Engineers: Involved in optimising hydrogen production and usage processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations.
- Maintenance Technicians: These individuals need to be trained in maintaining and troubleshooting hydrogen systems, including fuel cells, storage tanks, and related equipment.
Safety and Compliance Officers
- Health and Safety Managers: They need extensive knowledge of hydrogen safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and regulatory compliance to ensure a safe working environment.
- Environmental Compliance Officers: They ensure that hydrogen-related activities comply with environmental regulations and sustainability standards.
Project Managers
- Project Engineers/Managers: Responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing hydrogen projects, they need skills in project management, cost estimation, and coordination of multidisciplinary teams.
- Supply Chain Managers: They manage the logistics, sourcing, and supply of materials and components for hydrogen projects, requiring skills in procurement, vendor management, and logistics.
R&D and Innovation teams
- Research and Development Scientists/Engineers: These individuals focus on developing new hydrogen technologies, improving existing processes, and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving hydrogen sector.
- Product Development Teams: They work on designing and refining hydrogen-related products, requiring skills in innovation, prototyping, and market research.
Operations Managers
- Operations Managers: Overseeing the day-to-day running of manufacturing operations, they need to understand how hydrogen systems integrate with overall production processes and ensure that operations are efficient and sustainable.
- Facility Managers: They manage the infrastructure needed for hydrogen production, storage, and usage, ensuring that facilities are equipped and maintained for safe hydrogen operations.
Business Development and Strategic roles
- Business Development Managers: They explore new market opportunities for hydrogen technologies, requiring skills in market analysis, strategic planning, and customer relations.
- Financial Managers/Accountants: They assess the financial viability of hydrogen projects, manage budgets, and explore funding opportunities, requiring strong financial analysis and planning skills.
- Sustainability Officers: Focused on aligning the business’s hydrogen initiatives with broader sustainability goals, they need to understand both the technical aspects of hydrogen and the environmental impact.
Training and Human Resources teams
- HR Managers: Responsible for hiring talent with the necessary hydrogen skills and for developing training programs to upskill current employees.
- Training Coordinators: They design and implement training programs to ensure that employees are skilled in hydrogen technologies, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
IT and Data Specialists
- IT Managers and Data Analysts: They manage the digital aspects of hydrogen technologies, such as monitoring systems, data analysis, and integration with Industry 4.0 technologies, ensuring that hydrogen systems are optimised for efficiency and safety.
Sales and Marketing teams
- Sales Engineers: These individuals require technical knowledge of hydrogen products and systems to effectively communicate their benefits to customers and close sales.
- Marketing Managers: They need to understand the hydrogen market and customer needs to develop effective marketing strategies that highlight the benefits and sustainability aspects of hydrogen technologies.
