New skill set needed to grow hydrogen economy

THERE is excitement in South Africa about the prospect of the hydrogen economy – we are one of just two African countries gearing up for it.

With the global hydrogen market expected to record a value of $184.1 billion (about R2.66 trillion) in 2025, the economic opportunities open to the wider hydrogen value chain are a good news story amid the narrative of South Africa’s poor economic outlook. However, most important for unlocking the hydrogen economy will be our ability to foster the new skills required by the sector.

If we are to enjoy the jobs created by the hydrogen economy, it is vital to have a skilled workforce to fulfil the new roles – many of which we are probably yet to imagine.

We will require a new breed of installers, electricians, chemical and electrical engineers, plant managers and materials handlers – all equipped with up-to-date knowledge and understanding of hydrogen and hydrogen-related products. From highschool graduates to post-doctoral candidates, the hydrogen economy will provide something for everyone.

A few examples of the new job titles needed, taken from a report in the Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability journal: Fuel cell fabrication and testing technician Hydrogen energy systems designer Hydrogen pipeline construction worker

Hydrogen systems safety investigator Senior automotive fuel cell power electronics engineer

Emissions reduction project manager

Hydrogen systems sales consultant

It is our responsibility as Chieta to assess training requirements. As hydrogen is cross-sectoral, we look forward to partnering with other Setas in energy and manufacturing, as well as our industry partners and stakeholders, to be proactive in identifying and fulfilling the skills gap.

Our first step must focus on preparing the next generation of graduates for the roles. We can do this by partnering with industry stakeholders as well as research teams, and encouraging knowledge sharing among industry and academia.

The hydrogen economy is within our reach, but we will need collaboration across large corporates, tertiary education institutes, and training authorities to make it happen.

Yershen Pillay is the chief executive of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta), a statutory body that was established by the Skills Development Act in 1998.