H2CoVE: Training Specialists for Europe’s Hydrogen Future

THE ROLE OF FH KUFSTEIN TIROL: EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS AND CENTRAL PLATFORM

A key contribution by the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is the technical and editorial development of the official project website – a milestone that was achieved early on in the project. “Much of our project revolves around this website. It is our platform to the outside world. We publish all progress, events, and milestones there,” explains Boroviczény.

In addition, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is developing course modules that are specifically tailored to regional educational and business needs in Tyrol. A total of 25 ECTS credits are to be created for new hydrogen courses, which will be used in future studies and continuing education.

Courses are designed for:

• Students enrolled in Energy & Sustainability Management degree programs
• Teachers and other educators at regional schools who are trained in train-the-trainer workshops to subsequently teach students about hydrogen-related topics
• Employees at companies with specific continuing education needs

For Tyrol, this means that regional companies can also become part of the project and have their employees trained in precisely those areas where, according to the needs assessment, knowledge is lacking.

HOW STUDENTS BENEFIT

Students also benefit from the international network that is being created as part of the project. “Partners such as the Netherlands already have extensive expertise and existing hydrogen courses. Our students will benefit greatly from this exchange in the future,” says Boroviczény. In addition, the project will also involve bachelor's and master's theses on hydrogen topics, including possible financial support for larger research projects.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION – AND A LOT OF COORDINATION

The project partners from Austria, Ukraine, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Norway meet in person at least once a year, and otherwise collaborate intensively online. “Although we are located far apart, the collaboration works very well. We have regular meetings and exchange content on an ongoing basis,” says Boroviczény.

This international structure makes H2CoVE more than just an educational project: it is a European network that aims to build skills in a structured way and promote long-term innovation in the hydrogen sector.

NEXT STEPS: FROM ANALYSIS TO IMPLEMENTATION

The first phase - research and stakeholder surveys - has been completed. Now the development work on the teaching modules can begin. Boroviczény explains: “We are developing the hydrogen courses, gathering feedback from our partners, and reviewing which existing modules we can adapt - such as those from the Netherlands.” At the same time, the project website is being continuously maintained and expanded.

Boroviczény is particularly motivated by the topic itself: in her view, hydrogen is an important building block for future energy supply. “We mustn't write off the topic too quickly. Our goal is to build up knowledge and break down prejudices - while learning more ourselves at the same time.”