Hydrogen Works: activities of educational institutions

University of Groningen

In September XNUMX, one PhD candidate from the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering started research into atmospheric hydrogen. The process of finding a tenure track assistant professor with a specialisation in education and two other PhDs is still in the recruitment phase, but hopefully these vacancies will be filled soon. One PhD is a combined position from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, and the other PhD is from the Faculty of Economics and Business and the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.

Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen

At EnTranCe, the practice-oriented research programme has been designed and agreements have been made with the first companies regarding research questions. There are currently seven paid interns – two of whom are from a German partner university – who are graduating on hydrogen-related topics. The minor in hydrogen has been developed and started in February. Furthermore, the range of hydrogen education offered within Hanze University of Applied Sciences has been mapped out so that it can be determined what still needs to be developed and offered. The further development of Hanze's energy master's programmes on the theme of hydrogen has begun with the development of a hydrogen specialisation, and discussions with vocational education institutions are looking at further cooperation in multilevel projects and, for example, a hydrogen challenge. Finally, the hydrogen monitor was recently carried out for the third time, investigating the general public's knowledge of hydrogen. The publication can be found here.

Alfa College and Noorderpoort

As vocational colleges in Groningen, Alfa-College and Noorderpoort collaborate intensively. This partnership builds on the collaboration within the Energy College programme, in which vocational colleges in Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland provide education for energy professionals on topics including hydrogen. We do this for both regular students and professionals. With the continuous learning pathway in Waterstof Werkt, we integrate this with strengthening the connection with each other and with primary and secondary education. This is being developed from a range of tangible products such as scale models, advanced practical setups, and demonstration applications, which we are already using to connect with primary and secondary education. An example of this is the Horizon Grand Prix at Kardinge on April 14th. We also connect with the Technasia and the general public. In addition to events, we develop curriculums based on our existing vocational college materials and collaborate with Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen. 

We're off to a flying start and landing at Eelde Airport (Groningen Airport Eelde), where students will be developing the hydrogen power supply for aircraft on the ground (the Ground Power Unit). We're collaborating with companies like Holthausen and the airport, and this is part of the airport's larger plan to achieve zero-emission ground handling in a unique, real-world learning environment. This learning environment is part of a (future) network of locations in Noord-NederlandThese locations range from simple to complex hydrogen educational facilities, via pilot projects like EnTranCe, to real-world applications. A wonderful development in this area is the Energiehub050: a state-of-the-art learning, development, practice, and inspiration center for new and innovative applications and technologies, including hydrogen, in the energy transition.   

We work together enthusiastically to help talent, from teachers and students to professionals, flourish: in education, in projects and through internships in practice. 

Contact Us

Do you have any questions about Hydrogen Works? Feel free to contact our project manager.