Skills

The global hydrogen economy has the potential to create 20-25 mn jobs by 2050 in hydrogen production and transportation, of which 50% are expected to be created in the emerging markets and developing economies. (Emerging Trade Corridors for hydrogen and its derivatives, Hydrogen Council & McKinsey, 2024)Background on the MeetingUNIDO is currently developing a skills gap mapping assessment methodology for assessing human capital gaps through a skills mapping approach tailored for developing countries. This assessment constitutes a comprehensive endeavour aimed at collecting both quantitative and qualitative data concerning the skills within a country's hydrogen value chain.The methodology's main goal is to identify and address existing gaps to design targeted strategies for skill enhancement and national-level training programs. The methodology is built upon three interrelated pillars: skills, professions, and industrial activities. Test-runs of the methodology has been carried out in Egypt, where an assessment of relevant technical skills and competences imparted through universities and vocational centres was carried out as well as the identification of relevant professions for green hydrogen value chains.The target groups and potential beneficiaries of the methodology range from the public and private sector, including representatives from industry, academia and the government as well as the society (e.g. associations that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, or environmental protection) involved in enhancing sustainable productivity growth, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable industrial development globally and especially in developing countries.The EGM aimed atGathering insights on stakeholder initiatives for developing technical skills in hydrogen.Receiving feedback on UNIDO’s skills gap mapping methodology.Discussing the next steps for collaborative efforts on capacity building and skills development for the hydrogen transition.Key Messages of the MeetingThe hydrogen sector presents enormous opportunities for job creation, but we are not there yet. Building the required skills is essential to get the hydrogen industry off the ground. We need to train business case developers in finance, economics, and project management to create a solid foundation for the industry's growth.Given the potential risks, safety training to avoid accidents and prevent hydrogen leakages is critical for all stakeholders involved.Training policymakers on permitting processes is also crucial. Developing case studies on different permitting models will help streamline regulatory frameworks across regions.All training programs must evolve into viable business models for educational providers. Practical skills training, which can be costly, must be made accessible through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and regional training hubs.While many general hydrogen-related courses are available online, there is a significant gap in practical and technical training. Hands-on training facilities, including virtual reality systems, are necessary to provide safe, risk-free learning environments.Establishing regional hydrogen competence centres will provide both demonstration and training facilities, offering a cost-effective solution for hands-on experience in developing countries.Potential Areas of Cooperation identifiedAligning databases of occupational roles, skills, and academic profiles will ensure that the workforce is trained to meet the specific needs of the hydrogen value chain in each country.Exploring financing instruments to support robust training programs for hydrogen skills development is essential.Developing "train the trainers" courses and setting up networks will accelerate knowledge transfer and ensure a sustainable skills pipeline.

The UNIDO team, together with the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT) and in support of the Tunisian Ministry of Industry and Energy (MIME), organized a stakeholder workshop for educational institutions on green hydrogen skills along local value chains. In many countries dealing with green hydrogen, including Tunisia, there's a need to upskill and reskill existing technical areas to generate local employment opportunities. Under the Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry, the UNIDO team has developed a comprehensive methodology to identify and address human capital gaps for the value chain of green hydrogen. ✅ With the opening remarks of Mr. Belhassen Chiboub, from the Ministry of Industry and Energy, Her Excellency the Austrian Ambassador to Tunisia, Ms. Ulla Kraus-Nussbaumer, and Mr. Lassaad Ben Hassine, Tunisia Country Representative Office (UNIDO), the workshop marked the starting point to map essential skills and occupational profiles across all stages of the hydrogen value chain in Tunisia. ✅ The UNIDO team presented the UNIDO methodology for conducting skills gap assessments, aiming to optimize resources to tackle potential deficiencies in countries like Tunisia.  ✅ Two-panel discussions, one dedicated to technical universities and the other to vocational centres, aimed at strategizing education plans to cultivate local talent in green hydrogen-related fields. Featuring European experts and representatives from Hydrogen Europe Research, Technische Universität Wien, Technische Universität Graz, and HyCentA Research GmbH, alongside key figures from the private sector, diverse government ministries, and national and international organizations including Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and International Labour Organization, the workshop was marked by active engagement. More than 100 participants, with approximately 50% women participation, gathered in a unique workshop facilitating discussions among peers from different levels of technical education. This diverse gathering fostered interactive dialogue and paved the way for multi-sectoral partnerships. 🤝 With the support of the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK).  

Frankfurt, November 14, 2023 - UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and VDMA today signed a joint declaration of intent in Frankfurt. Together, the two organizations aim to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing, emerging and transition economies in the future. The declaration was signed at the conference "From Production to Application: THE #P2X CONFERENCE." The partnership aims to promote efficient equipment, technology and investment development in the target countries. Likewise, it foresees joining hands in capacity building for industrial development and diversification there. The focus areas are green hydrogen, agribusiness, the textile and clothing industry, the circular economy, and water and wastewater treatment.  With its 3,600 members, the VDMA is Germany and Europe's largest network organization for mechanical and plant engineering. The association represents this unique and diverse industry's common economic, technical and scientific interests. 

A HYDROGEN ECONOMY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIESProduced from renewable energy sources, green hydrogen (GH2), also known as renewable hydrogen, is the fuel of the future. It is clean, storable and portable, and can be blended into existing energy networks and integrated with current infrastructure. Green hydrogen and low-carbon hydrogen[1] are key to decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries such as steel production, cement, chemicals and heavy transport, which together account for 30 per cent of global CO2 emissions. In short, hydrogen can help countries around the world achieve their climate goals.