Researchers are looking to geological hydrogen — naturally occurring hydrogen within the Earth —as a clean and cost-effective alternative energy source. As geological hydrogen use grows, so will the demand for a skilled workforce. To help address this need, The Association of Geological Hydrogen (AGH), a non-profit organization, is negotiating up to $300,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create an educational framework to foster a new geological hydrogen workforce pipeline in the U.S. Researchers will establish new industry-university-national labs partnerships to facilitate internships, provide career mentorship and coaching opportunities.
Dr. Esuru Rita Okoroafor, a Chevron Faculty Fellow and assistant professor in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering, will support this project by developing a textbook, with several chapters dedicated to geological hydrogen. She will also lead efforts in mentorship and coaching sessions focused on exposing students to geological hydrogen. The project also aims to create a certificate program covering the basics of geological hydrogen.
“Ultimately, this project will provide a foundational knowledge that allows someone to apply any skills they have to the field of geological hydrogen,” said Okoroafor. “If someone is a geologist, for instance, but has taken the certificate program, it allows them to apply their geology towards geologic hydrogen. The same can be said for engineering or any other field.”
By introducing an educational framework at the high school level, students will develop field-specific skills in college or trade school and apply them to the geological hydrogen workforce.
"We want students to see geological hydrogen not just as a concept, but as a dynamic and exciting career path," said Okoroafor. "Building enthusiasm today is what will drive the growth of tomorrow’s geological hydrogen workforce."
Collaborating with Okoroafor on this project is Dr. Qingwang (Kevin) Yuan, the Lead PI of this project, the president of AGH, and an assistant professor in the Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University.
This grant is part of the DOE’s Clean Energy Careers for All program, which supports workforce development that promotes STEM education and exposure to clean energy career options. AGH was one of seven non-profit organizations selected to receive funding as part of this initiative.