Hydrogen projects in Scotland: A bright future for green careers
Scotland is at the forefront of hydrogen development, with over 50 projects underway across the country. These projects are spanning generation, transport, and heating, and many are world-firsts.
The Scottish Government has ambitious targets for hydrogen, aiming to produce 5GW of green hydrogen by 2030 and become a global leader in the sector. This investment is creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike, with a growing number of green career roles becoming available.
Here are some of the key hydrogen projects in Scotland:
- Acorn Hydrogen: This project at St Fergus in North East Scotland will be the first large-scale hydrogen project developed in Scotland. It will use carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology to convert natural gas into blue hydrogen.
- Green Hydrogen for Scotland: This partnership between BOC, ScottishPower Renewables, and ITM Power will build a 20MW green hydrogen production facility next to Whitelee Windfarm. The facility will use wind and solar power to produce hydrogen, which will then be supplied to the commercial market.
- Knockshinnoch Green Hydrogen Hub Project: This project will be one of the first fully off-grid renewable hydrogen supply systems in the UK. It will use wind turbines and a battery to generate hydrogen, which will then be used to power fuel cell vehicles and provide heat and power to local businesses.
These are just a few examples of the many hydrogen projects underway in Scotland. As the sector continues to grow, so too will the number of green career opportunities.
What are the green career opportunities in the hydrogen sector?
There are a wide range of green career opportunities available in the hydrogen sector, including:
- Engineers: Engineers are needed to design, build, and operate hydrogen production, storage, and distribution systems.
- Scientists: Scientists are needed to research and develop new hydrogen technologies, such as more efficient electrolysers and fuel cells.
- Business development managers: Business development managers are needed to identify and develop new markets for hydrogen products and services.
- Project managers: Project managers are needed to oversee the development and implementation of hydrogen projects.
- Policy analysts: Policy analysts are needed to develop and implement government policies that support the hydrogen sector.
In addition to these specific roles, there are also many general green career opportunities available in the hydrogen sector, such as marketing, sales, and customer service.
How to get started in a green career in hydrogen
If you are interested in a green career in hydrogen, there are a few things you can do to get started:
- Educate yourself: There are a number of online and in-person courses available on hydrogen technology. You can also learn about the hydrogen sector by reading industry publications and attending industry events. The best we have found is the team at www.Hydrogensafe.org
- Network with people in the sector: Attend industry events and connect with people on LinkedIn. You can also reach out to hydrogen companies directly to learn about their job opportunities.
- Develop your skills: There are a number of skills that are in high demand in the hydrogen sector, such as engineering, project management, and business development. Make sure you have the skills and experience that employers are looking for.
The hydrogen sector is a rapidly growing and exciting sector to be involved in. If you are passionate about green energy and want to make a difference, then a career in hydrogen could be the right choice for you.