Egyptian and UK universities collaborate to train specialists

From the newsletter

The British University of Egypt (BUE) and Coventry University in the UK have partnered in a project to train specialists in green hydrogen technology. Dubbed Hydrogen Technology for a Green Future: Strengthening Transnational Education and Curriculum Development, aims to build expertise in hydrogen production, storage, and transport in the two countries.

• With £25,000 in funding from the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships initiative, the project will see the partner universities develop a Hydrogen Training Hub that will facilitate workshops at BUE in Cairo, at Coventry’s University city centre campus, and online. 

• “This project aims to provide an opportunity for students, academics and industrial professionals to gain a greater awareness in emerging sustainable technologies aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Egypt Vision 2030,” said Professor Ayman Salah Abbas, the project lead and BUE’s Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

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• Industry analysts and experts widely recognise Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, making it well-suited for large-scale green hydrogen production. With abundant wind and solar resources, along with a growing population that creates a ready market, the continent is increasingly seen as a future global leader in green hydrogen development. 

• However, a significant hurdle in realising this potential is the lack of expertise to support and sustain a commercial-scale production of green hydrogen. Addressing this challenge is key to realising the continent’s full potential in green hydrogen production.

• Recognising this challenge, several initiatives are emerging across the continent. In October 2024, South Africa’s Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), and Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) partnered to launch the Green Hydrogen Centre of Specialisation focusing on upskilling and reskilling individuals for the green hydrogen sector.

• Kenya has also has made progress in capacity building in the green hydrogen sector. The German government through GIZ Development of Foundations for a Green Hydrogen Economy in Kenya project is collaborating with the country’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in the Basic Power – to – X (PtX) Training for Trainers of Trainers. The initiative strives to build the capacities of higher educational and vocational institutions in Kenya, with a focus on green hydrogen and e-fuels. 

• At the regional level, collaborations between African and international institutions of higher learning are playing a key role in fostering expertise in the green hydrogen sector. In April 2024, the country’s Strathmore University partnered with Australia’s Curtin University and Griffith University for the launch of Africa Green Hydrogen Hub, which serves as a nexus for research, innovation, and collaboration among the various stakeholders. 

• Additionally, the British Council is funding two international skills partnerships between UK and South African institutions of higher learning. UK institutions will collaborate with South Africa’s Northern Cape Rural TVET College and Nkangala TVET College to develop renewable energy skills, particularly focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project is scheduled to run for a year, starting in March 2025. The Going Global Partnerships accords research and higher education institutions opportunities to build mutually beneficial international connections.

Our take

• Skills and knowledge partnerships are a significant strategy to bridge the technical expertise gap that exists in Africa’s green hydrogen sector. The collaborations between local and international institutions of higher learning can help accelerate the development of the needed skills, thus enabling the continent to capitalise on its extensive renewable energy potential. 

• Knowledge-based partnerships are an emerging form of support for Africa from the international community. While most funding has focused on infrastructural development, knowledge partnerships are keen on nurturing a pool of local green hydrogen experts who can sustain the industry, thereby promoting sustainability and independence.

• Ultimately, Africa must begin prioritising the development of technical expertise within its own population. While knowledge-based partnerships and scholarships offer immediate support, they are not a long-term solution. African countries should explore and invest in dedicated educational scholarships and training programmes focused on green hydrogen to build a sustainable pool of skilled professionals.