Energy & Utility Skills is now working with National Grid Gas Transmission & Metering and the gas distribution networks on the Hydrogen Skills and Competencies Project, which seeks to address gaps in the skills and competencies of gas engineers in the movement towards hydrogen.
Over the next five years, National Grid Gas Transmission & Metering has an ambitious work plan to prove the capability of hydrogen in the current assets and begin online trials.
Training and competency are at the core of delivering a safe and resilient network for consumers and National Grid Gas Transmission & Metering has identified that this will require the development of skills and competences from early career to experienced technical staff.
The Hydrogen Skills and Competencies Project will take 12 months to complete and involves close working with National Grid Gas Transmission & Metering and the gas distribution networks: Cadent Gas; SGN; Northern Gas Networks; and Wales & West Utilities.
The goal is to answer the following questions in relation to the transition to using hydrogen in the gas industry:
- Who needs training?
- What training is required?
- Do existing courses need to be adapted, or are new courses required?
- Are existing tools and techniques still relevant?
- What should the certification requirements be?
- Where are the links to updates and changes in policies and procedures?
After evaluating these requirements, a roadmap will be developed for delivering the new training and competency requirements.
Stephen Barrett, Director of Strategic Accounts for Energy & Utility Skills and project sponsor said “We’re delighted to be working with National Grid Gas Transmission & Metering and the Gas Distribution Networks on this collaborative project that will ensure consistency of training and assessment standards for the deployment of hydrogen.
“Decarbonising heat will be key to net zero carbon emissions in the UK. Hydrogen as part of the energy mix is an exciting prospect and it is vital that the workforce of tomorrow is suitably skilled for this greener world.”
