The European Chemical Regions Network (ECRN) has published a report, ‘Regarding the hydrogen sector and new professions within the developing hydrogen economy’, offering a comprehensive analysis of the hydrogen economy, including national strategies, the hydrogen value chain, and emerging workforce needs.

Key highlights:

• National hydrogen strategies:
  • Netherlands: focuses on green hydrogen production via North Sea wind energy and natural gas infrastructure.
  • Spain: leverages renewable energy for large-scale electrolysis projects integrated into industry and transport.
  • Ireland: pilots green hydrogen projects in transportation and power generation.
• Hydrogen value chain:
  • Production: covers green hydrogen (electrolysis) and blue hydrogen (natural gas with carbon capture), analysing CO₂ emissions and costs.
  • Storage: evaluates methods like underground salt caverns and pressurised tanks, highlighting benefits and challenges.
  • Transportation: explores pipelines, maritime routes, and retrofitting existing gas infrastructure.
• Case study - Poland: details Poland's Power-to-X approach to integrate renewable energy for hydrogen production across sectors.
• Emerging professions: identifies new skills and training needed for the hydrogen economy, emphasising education and workforce development.
• Challenges and recommendations:  addresses regulatory, financial, and technological barriers, offering strategies to integrate hydrogen across Europe.

The report provides policymakers, industry leaders, and educators with actionable insights into the hydrogen sector’s growth and workforce demands.