We’re getting the world’s first training program for green hydrogen workers: The Energy and Water Academy (EWA) has launched a program aimed at training local talent at green hydrogen companies in Neom, Jubail and other cities, CEO Tariq Alshamrani told Al Eqtisadiah in an interview earlier this week. EWA is the only academy globally offering the specialized training, Alshamrani said, adding that the program was accredited by the government’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and British vocational education provider City & Guilds. EWA was established by renewables giant Acwa Power and TVTC in 2009.

Details on the program: The new two-year program, set to kick off by year end, will include a cohort of between 50 to 100 male and female trainees at green hydrogen companies across the Kingdom.

The rationale: The program would help serve mega developmental projects, boost sustainability and drive momentum for energy transformation, Alshamrani said in a post on X.

SMART POLICY- The Kingdom launched its national green hydrogen production strategy in2020 as it eyes to become a top supplier of the clean fuel globally. It set a target to generate 1.2 mn tons of green hydrogen and supply 10% of global hydrogen demand by 2030. It aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by the end of the decade.

Neom’s utility scale will help realize the target: Neom Green Hydrogen Company, a joint venture between Neom, Acwa Power, and US-based gas supplier Air Products, is setting up a USD 8.5 bn utility-scale green hydrogen facility with a 1.2 mn ton annual green ammonia production capacity powered by nearly 4 GW of renewable power.

BACKGROUND- EWA is also running graining programs on desalination and renewable energy in partnerships with Engie and Acwa Power. It’s looking to roll out a nuclear energy training program in partnership with Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy.

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