Increased Interest for Hydrogen Technology Study

The number of applicants, wanting to study Hydrogen Technology at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), has more than doubled since the class was established in 2019.

In 2019, 13 engineering students chose the hydrogen technology class at HVL. This year the number has increased to 31 applicants.

– The development is impressing, says Velaug Myrseth Oltedal, Associate Professor at HVL and responsible for the new class.

– I think much of the reason for the increased interest is that hydrogen has become more common as an energy carrier and that HVL has a close and good collaboration with leading business players. Hydrogen will play an important part of the future energy mix. Our mission is to educate qualified personnel who can take part in the ongoing rapid development, Myrseth continues.

Learn more about the Hydrogen Technology Study.

The Students Perspectives

Why has the interest for the Hydrogen Technology class increased so strongly? We spoke with two of the students.

Aurora Baardsen studies Ocean Technology at the University of Bergen. She is planning to take a Masters within green hydrogen production for the maritime sector.

– Attending the Hydrogen Technology class gives me updated hydrogen know-how and will put me in a position to work for reduced emissions from the maritime sector, says Baardsen.

Juni Marie Lerøy Schaefer takes an Integrated Master's in Energy at University of Bergen.

– In recent years I have had an increasing interest for hydrogen as energy carrier. I was so happy when HVL started the new Hydrogen Technology class and there was no doubt: I just had to attend this class. I also like HVL’s close industry connection, Lerøy Schaefer ends.

Linking Industry With Students

Our collaborator Ocean Hyway Cluster (OHC) represents both Norwegian and international maritime hydrogen industry and was involved in establishing the Hydrogen Technology class.

GCE Ocean Technology and OHC are important links between HVL and a wide range of business players. Both Trond Strømgren, Ocean Technology Innovator at GCE Ocean Technology, and professionals from various companies have given lectures for the students at HVL.

– Close contact between industry and students is important for both parts. Students can take part in experiences from the industry and gain insight into ongoing projects. The industry players can share their opportunities and challenges to the students and recruit to the industry, says Strømgren.

Supporting the Deep Purple Project

GCE Ocean Technology is a partner of the Deep Purple project owned by Kanfa/TechnipFMC.

The project develops solutions for offshore production of hydrogen and intermittency management of wind farms by storing the hydrogen subsea.

– The Deep Purple concept has a great export potential. We need professionals with hydrogen competence for future development and expansion, both in this and other upcoming projects, says Owe Hagesæther, CEO at GCE Ocean Technology.

– The effort done by HVL to establish the new Hydrogen Technology class is extremely important and supports the industry with needed competence, Hagesæther ends.