H2HUBPlus in Saxony-Anhalt

At a glance

• Central Germany is rapidly emerging as a key location for the hydrogen economy. Numerous projects have already been launched, but their long-term success depends on the availability of qualified professionals.
• H₂HUB^Plus builds upon the successfully developed structures and formats from the first funding round and is expanding its portfolio to include additional formats and target groups.
• In this context, Fraunhofer IWES, in collaboration with Fraunhofer IMWS as a new project partner, is focusing on knowledge transfer from research and development.

The challenge

Germany aims to be largely climate-neutral by 2045. Electricity is to be generated using renewable energy sources, while at the same time the importance of hydrogen as a storage medium, energy source, and key element in various sectors and industries will grow. Central Germany is emerging as a key hub for the hydrogen economy. Saxony-Anhalt, in particular, offers favorable conditions for the production and use of green hydrogen in industry and the energy sector. At the same time, there is an increasing need for skilled workers, application-oriented knowledge, and robust educational structures. For this transformation to succeed, current research findings must be integrated more quickly into vocational training, higher education, schools, and public educational programs.

The solution

H₂HUB^Plus brings together the expertise of universities and research institutions in Saxony-Anhalt and connects them with companies, public institutions, and other regional stakeholders. The project builds on the structures established during the first funding round, further develops existing formats, and supplements them with new training programs that are scientifically sound, practical, and flexible in their application. The focus is on needs-based training for various target groups, as well as the establishment of sustainable educational and cooperative structures for the region and raising awareness and acceptance of the energy transition.

The measures include, among other things:

• Expanding educational partnerships with companies and public institutions
• Developing additional continuing education formats for working professionals
• Establishing public initiatives such as public dialogues, demonstration projects, and educational labs
• Implementing a summer school in the field of applied research and development, as well as hybrid educational formats to facilitate the transition from academia to the workforce
• Development of digital qualification components, including VR/AR learning environments and AI-based knowledge transfer
• Practical educational offerings for schools and for early STEM career orientation
• Making offerings more flexible through the development and awarding of microcredentials

Fraunhofer IWES, together with Fraunhofer IMWS, is primarily responsible for knowledge transfer from research and development. The project involves the development of educational and knowledge-transfer formats. These include a learning module for education degree programs focusing on climate change, a microcredential for specialists and managers at the interface of wind energy and hydrogen, and the development of a summer school. In addition, short videos are being produced to raise awareness among young people about the innovative and forward-looking job market in the energy transition, which will be published on social media. Fraunhofer IWES is responsible for the overall coordination of the joint project.

The added value

The project helps secure a skilled workforce, increase public acceptance of the energy transition, and strengthen regional structures. The planned measures promote competitiveness and quality of life in Central Germany and support the objectives of the STARK Directive.

Further information on the project website (German only): H₂HUB