Increased interest for Hydrogen Technology Study
The number of applicants, wanting to study Hydrogen Technology at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), has more than doubled since the class was established in 2019.
In 2019, 13 engineering students chose the hydrogen technology class at HVL. This year the number has increased to 31 applicants.
– The development is impressing, says Velaug Myrseth Oltedal, Associate Professor at HVL, and responsible for the new class.
– I think much of the reason for the increased interest is that hydrogen has become more common as an energy carrier and that HVL has a close and good collaboration with leading business players. Hydrogen will play an important part of the future energy mix. Our mission is to educate qualified personnel who can take part in the ongoing rapid development, Myrseth continues.
The Students Perspective
Why has the interest for the Hydrogen Technology class increased so strongly? We spoke with two of the students.
Aurora Baardsen studies Ocean Technology at the University of Bergen. She is planning to take a Master’s within green hydrogen production for the maritime sector.
– Attending the Hydrogen Technology class gives me updated hydrogen know-how and will put me in a position to work for reduced emissions from the maritime sector, says Baardsen.
Juni Marie Lerøy Schaefer takes an Integrated Master's in Energy at University of Bergen.
– In recent years I have had an increased interest for hydrogen as energy carrier. I was so happy when HVL started the new Hydrogen Technology class and there was no doubt: I just had to attend this class. I also like HVL’s close industry connection, Lerøy Schaefer ends.
Industry is an Important Contributor
Left, the Hydrogen Technology students Aurora Baardsen and Juni Marie Lerøy Schaefer. Right, Velaug Myrseth Oltedal, Associate Professor at HVL and responsible for the class.
Ocean Hyway Cluster (OHC) and our collaborating cluster GCE Ocean Technology represents both Norwegian and international maritime hydrogen industry. OHC was involved in establishing the Hydrogen Technology class and represents an important link between HVL and a wide range of business players. Both Trond Strømgren, Senior Advisor Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Value Chain at OHC, and professionals from various companies have given lectures for students at HVL.
– Close contact between industry and students is important for both parts. The students can take part in experiences from the industry and gain insight into ongoing projects. The industry players can communicate about opportunities and challenges to the students and recruit to the industry, says Trond Strømgren.
Bachelor's and Master's Theses
HVL also experiences that more students want to write bachelor's and master's theses related to hydrogen as an energy carrier. In the autumn of 2019, several companies submitted problems for assignments, and in the spring of 2020, three groups of students completed bachelor theses related to some of these issues. This autumn one hydrogen related bachelor's thesis is being written. Students work on project tasks in the autumn semester. These are often passed on to bachelor’s theses and perhaps master's theses. HVL guides 3 master students who will write about hydrogen and possibly there will be more. Project, bachelor's and master's theses represent a great resource for the industry. We will discuss this topic in more detail in a separate article to be published in October.
