PERTH (miningweekly.com) - A study is underway in Queensland to determine the skills needed by the local hydrogen industry workforce, delivering on the A$4-million commitment toward supporting energy skills, including for hydrogen, electric vehicles and renewable energy, which was announced at the Queensland Workforce Summit.

The study will be conducted at CS Energy’s Kogan renewable hydrogen demonstration plant and will identify current skills, accreditation and qualifications seen in traditional resources, and look to uncover how these can apply in hydrogen projects.

“We don’t know the skills and training that are needed yet within the emerging hydrogen industry and this study is an exciting opportunity for us to learn more about what the industry will need, and the opportunities it will provide,” Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said.

“This key action of the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-32 will provide vital industry workforce intelligence on the hydrogen skills needed in the Toowoomba, Western Downs and Maranoa districts, and across the state more broadly.

Under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan it is estimated that the state’s hydrogen industry will grow by A$19-billion by 2040, creating an additional 10 000 jobs.

Farmer said as the demonstration plant was built and operated, a dedicated Skills Officer would work to understand the skills and training needed and would connect local suppliers with hydrogen manufacturing opportunities.

She added that the partnership with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and CS Energy aimed to prepare a job-ready workforce for the hydrogen industry’s expansion.

“Growth of the hydrogen industry relies on a skilled and capable workforce, which is developed through government, the training sector and industry working together.

“The TSBE project is a A$161 000 investment from the VET Emerging Industries’ Hydrogen Skills Fund, which aims to ensure we have the workforce to meet the anticipated growth of the industry by A$19-billion and 4 350 jobs by 2040.”