College strengthens hydrogen training links with visit to German partner

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UHI North, West and Hebrides is looking to strengthen its reputation in hydrogen training and innovation after a recent visit to Germany to explore collaborative opportunities.

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Photos show the HyLab | Hyrdogen Learning Centre, a hydrogen demonstrator display, and staff from UHI North, West and Hebrides and Gewerbliche Schule (left to right, Isolde Fleuchaus, Dr Alasdair Macleod, Roddy Ferguson, Heribert Gantner, Ulrich Wahl, and Melina Garofalo).

Dr Alasdair Macleod, engineering lecturer and renowned hydrogen expert, and Roddy Ferguson, curriculum manager, both based in Stornoway, visited the Gewerbliche Schule in Backnang, Germany - home to the HyLab | Hydrogen Learning Center Backnang. 

The visit explored opportunities for partnership and knowledge exchange in hydrogen technologies. The team received a warm welcome and a tour of the school’s cutting-edge facilities, which are currently undergoing a €10 million upgrade to support hydrogen, construction, and automotive engineering. 

They also met with local industry partners involved in high-temperature hydrogen fuel cell research, further strengthening the potential for international collaboration. 

UHI North, West and Hebrides delivers Professional Development Award (PDA) Hydrogen: An Introduction for Technicians - Scotland’s only SQA recognised qualification dedicated to Hydrogen – and is lead academic partner in the Creed Hydrogen Skills and Innovation Centre, Stornoway, which will transform the Outer Hebrides into a world leading green hydrogen production hub, driving innovation in green hydrogen production learning, testing and research. 

Roddy Ferguson said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the hospitality shown by the team at Gewerbliche Schule. The visit has opened up exciting potential for joint projects, and we look forward to welcoming their team to our Stornoway campus in the near future.” 

The visit was funded as part of international outreach activity by the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), a partnership between UHI North, West and Hebrides, Community Energy Scotland, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.  

ICNZ is part of the Islands Growth Deal, which aims to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation across the Scottish islands.