Three million euros for regional training programme ‘Waterstof Werkt’

With a contribution of €3 million from the Nationaal Programma Groningen (Groningen National Programme), the training programme ‘Waterstof Werkt’ (Hydrogen Works) can begin. The University of Groningen is one of the partners that, together, will develop a broad training programme in the area of hydrogen. This will include degree programmes, training courses, traineeships, and placements at the level of vocational, university of applied sciences, and university education as well as for professionals.

The awarding of the subsidy was announced during the ‘Wind meets Gas’ symposium. King Willem-Alexander opened the symposium in the Martinikerk. President of the Board of the University Jouke de Vries was present on behalf of the UG. On the second day, regional ambassador for the Northern Netherlands Adriaan Beenen and representative of the Province of Groningen Nienke Homan presented the symbolic cheque to the partners involved, with Rector Magnificus Cisca Wijmenga in attendance.

Over the coming years, the province of Groningen will develop itself into the hydrogen economy hub, with the help of investments from the government and from industry. De Vries:

‘The availability of a sufficient amount of trained individuals is essential to bring the new value chains to maturity. We must train new professionals together. From academics to handy workers, from technicians to energy dealers. With this subsidy, the northern knowledge institutions will be able to develop educational programmes. I am proud that the UG has been able to contribute to acquiring this substantial subsidy. Special thanks to Professor Harro Meijer of our Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen.’

About ‘Waterstof Werkt’

The ‘Waterstof Werkt’ programme is an initiative of the New Energy Coalition, in collaboration with educational institutions and businesses. The programme has a total budget of around €7 million, further funded by engaged partners from the business world, educational institutions, and the New Energy Coalition. Over the coming years, ‘Waterstof Werkt’ should give a boost to regional teaching to respond to the demand for knowledge on the part of jobs in the sustainable energy sector, and the hydrogen economy in particular. The programme will run from 2022 to 2027.

The programme consortium comprises: Alfa College regional education centre, Noorderpoort regional education centre, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the University of Groningen, and the New Energy Coalition. Co-funders of ‘Waterstof Werkt’ are: EBN, GasTerra, Gasunie, NAM, the New Energy Coalition, Bouwend Nederland, Afeer, Stork, the Municipality of Groningen, and Shell Nederland.