First hydrogen training centre opens

The UK’s first hydrogen training centre for gas engineers has opened at Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus. The facility will train more than 100 Gas Safe registered engineers this year, equipping them with the green skills needed to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen.

This training is essential for the engineers who will be involved in SGN’s green hydrogen trial, H100 Fife, which will supply green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth through a new purpose-built network.

The training centre provides hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and systems, supported by manufacturers including Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Clean Burner Systems (CBS), Bosch Home Appliances and MeteRSit.

It will ensure that engineers gain the knowledge and competency to safely install, test and maintain hydrogen appliances and heating systems in homes. Every engineer taking part will add a hydrogen competency to their Gas Safe registration.

SGN CEO Simon Kilonback says: “The opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe engineers is a major milestone for SGN and the energy sector as a whole. We’re excited to be working with the local community as we deliver our end-to-end hydrogen network in Fife. This is a key part of our wider plans to harness the potential of green gases like hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise homes and businesses.”
Training will be delivered to local Gas Safe engineers in Fife by expert trainers with experience in delivering gas training, with support from industry professionals. SGN has developed the courses in partnership with Fife College for the past two years, alongside key stakeholders such as BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills and IGEM.

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College is proud to be a national leader in clean energy skills as we launch this dedicated hydrogen training facility. We are honoured to work in such a deep and innovative partnership with SGN.

“Through this cutting-edge centre at our Levenmouth Campus, we are working to upskill over 100 engineers with the specialist knowledge needed to support the UK’s transition to net zero.”

The engineers being trained from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch and Warmworks will help convert natural gas homes over to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later this year. Fife Council staff will also be trained as part of SGN’s commitment to future-proof local engineers for the challenges ahead.

Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB, the UK’s largest energy union, welcomed the launch. He said: “The opening of this hydrogen training centre is a milestone for the gas industry and its workforce. As we transition to a net-zero economy, it’s vital that we not only protect jobs but also ensure that workers are upskilled for the future.

“This centre will empower today’s engineers to safely work with hydrogen while preparing them for roles that will shape the transition to green energy. It’s a testament to the resilience of the workforce and their ability to adapt to the changing energy landscape.”