Abstract
Green hydrogen (GH2) can help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, aviation and shipping, while offering opportunities for economic growth, energy security and job creation, despite high costs, uncertain demand, infrastructure gaps and competition from other low-carbon technologies in this nascent market. This Brief maps skills implications across the GH2 value chain (including power-to-X conversion, storage and distribution) and stresses that, while few entirely new occupations are expected, substantial reskilling and upskilling will be needed, alongside strengthened capacities in the public sector for regulation, permitting and compliance. The brief calls for forward-looking, inclusive and flexible skills ecosystems that align government, social partners, industry and education and training providers, underpinned by social dialogue to anticipate skills needs and co-design training programmes as the sector scales. It recommends embedding skills planning in national hydrogen strategies; building cross-sector partnerships; expanding practical, inclusive hydrogen training (including TVET and work-based learning); supporting local workforce development; and using data systems to continuously monitor, adapt and scale training for a just transition.