The UK's inaugural hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe registered engineers has officially opened at Fife College's Levenmouth Campus, a joint initiative between the college and gas distribution company SGN.

The new facility is set to train over 100 gas engineers this year, equipping them with the necessary green skills to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen. This training is a crucial preparatory step for engineers involved in SGN's H100 Fife green hydrogen trial, which will see green hydrogen supplied to homes in the Levenmouth area through a new, purpose-built network.

The training centre provides hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and systems, supported by leading manufacturers including Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Clean Burner Systems (CBS), Bosch Home Appliances, and MeteRSit. Engineers undertaking the training will gain an official hydrogen qualification, which will be added to their Gas Safe registration, ensuring they are competent to safely install, test, and maintain hydrogen appliances and heating systems in domestic properties.

Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB, the UK's largest energy union, welcomed the launch, stating: "The opening of this hydrogen training centre is a milestone for the gas industry and its workforce. As we transition to a net-zero economy, it's vital that we not only protect jobs but also ensure that workers are upskilled for the future. This centre will empower today's engineers to safely work with hydrogen while preparing them for roles that will shape the transition to green energy."

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Training will be delivered by expert trainers with experience in gas training, supported by industry professionals. SGN has been developing the courses in partnership with Fife College over the past two years, collaborating with key stakeholders such as certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills, and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).

Simon Kilonback, CEO of SGN, commented: "The opening of the UK's first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe engineers is a major milestone for SGN and the energy sector as a whole. We're excited to be working with the local community as we deliver our end-to-end hydrogen network in Fife. This is a key part of our wider plans to harness the potential of green gasses like hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise homes and businesses."

Engineers from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, and Warmworks will be among those trained, preparing them to convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later this year (2025). Staff from Fife Council will also receive training as part of a commitment to future-proof local engineering skills.

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: "Fife College is proud to be a national leader in clean energy skills as we launch this dedicated hydrogen training facility. We are honoured to work in such a deep and innovative partnership with SGN. Through this cutting-edge centre at our Levenmouth Campus, we are working to upskill over 100 engineers with the specialist knowledge needed to support the UK's transition to net zero."

He added: "This collaboration with SGN forms part of our wider commitment to sustainability, which also includes the opening of our new Dunfermline City Campus – Scotland's first net-zero-ready vocational training campus – later this year. Together, these landmark developments place Fife College at the forefront of delivering the skills and infrastructure needed to shape a more sustainable future for us all."

The opening of the hydrogen training centre marks a significant step in supporting the UK's net-zero ambitions and highlights the critical role of skilled engineers in integrating hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source.