Energy network SGN and Fife College have announced the opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for gas engineers.
The facility, located at Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus, Scotland, will train over 100 Gas Safe registered engineers in 2025, equipping them with the green skills needed to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen. This training is essential for the engineers who will be involved in SGN’s green hydrogen trial, H100 Fife, which will supply green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth through a new purpose-built network.
Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB, said: “The opening of this hydrogen training centre is a milestone for the gas industry and its work-force. As we transition to a net zero economy, it is vital that we not only protect jobs but also ensure that workers are upskilled for the future. This centre will empower engineers to safely work with hydrogen while preparing them for roles that will shape the transition to green energy.”
The training centre offers hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and systems, supported by manufacturers such as Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Clean Burner Systems (CBS), Bosch Home Appliances, and MeteRSit. It will ensure that engineers gain the knowledge and competency to safely install, test, and maintain hydrogen appliances and heating systems in domestic settings, advancing the UK’s transition to green energy solutions. Every engineer taking part will gain an official hydrogen qualification added to their Gas Safe registration.
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 are 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 gases like hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise homes and businesses.”
Training will be delivered to local Gas Safe registered engineers in Fife by trainers with experience in delivering gas training with support from industry professionals. SGN has developed the courses in partnership with Fife College for the past two years, alongside key stakeholders such as certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills, and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
The engineers being trained from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, and Warmworks will help convert natural gas homes over to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later in 2025. Fife Council staff will also be trained as part of SGN’s commitment to future-proof local engineers for the challenges ahead.
The opening of the training centre is a landmark event in SGN’s efforts to support the UK’s transition to net zero and underscores the vital role of skilled engineers in integrating hydrogen as a key low-carbon energy source.