Hydrogen Technology: The course for the green future!

Hydrogen Technology: The course for the green future!

In a key position for the future of hydrogen technology, Prof. Dr. Joachim Seifert appointed new Scientific Director of the “Hydrogen Technology and Economics (M.Sc.)” course at the German University. This decision comes at a time when hydrogen technology is becoming increasingly important for achieving global climate goals. Loud di-uni.de Seifert has extensive experience in gas technology, for example through collaborations with companies such as VNG and EWE, as well as through his management of the “Gas Technology” lecture series at the TU Dresden.

Seifert's approach includes the integration of practical relevance, industry proximity and international cooperation into the curriculum. His vision for the course includes a review and adaptation of the teaching content in order to reduce redundancies and integrate practice-relevant questions. This is particularly important because transformative plans by large German municipalities by 2026 explicitly take hydrogen technology into account.

Growing demand for skilled workers

The hydrogen economy requires comprehensive qualification of skilled workers in order to meet the increasing need for experts. A current analysis of the IW Cologne predicts an additional need of around 70,000 specialists and managers in hydrogen-related industries by 2030. The transition to low-emission forms of energy and the associated decarbonization of industry can only succeed if there are enough qualified employees available.

The Fraunhofer Institutes and the Fraunhofer Academy respond to these challenges with innovative training formats. These programs support companies in developing the necessary skills to implement hydrogen projects. Initiatives such as the “Fit4H2” training workshop and the “Practical Knowledge for Hydrogen Projects” are aimed specifically at engineers and project planners. In addition, professionals from various areas, including politics and banking, can better understand the use of hydrogen, supporting the comprehensive transformation in the industry.

International cooperation and practical relevance

Seifert emphasizes the need for international collaborations, with a focus on partnerships with institutions such as Hong Kong University, the University of Padua and the University of Copenhagen. Further planned collaboration with Chemnitz University of Technology and ONTRAS is intended to expand the opportunities for internships and excursions. All of this serves the aim of ensuring the high practical component of the degree program and at the same time promoting the transfer of applied knowledge.

Further training and knowledge of technologies such as electrolysers and fuel cells are central to the future development of the hydrogen market and the associated economic opportunities. The challenge of promoting both research and practical application in industry is a core point of Seifert's strategy to take into account the great importance of hydrogen technology for municipal heat supply in Germany.

In summary, Prof. Seifert emphasizes the role of the new course as a crucial component in the transformation to a low-emission energy supply, which not only benefits the environment but also the German economy.