New Course Prepares Students and Professionals to Build Business Cases in the Hydrogen Value Chain

As Europe accelerates its transition toward a climate‑neutral economy, green hydrogen is expected to play an important role in future energy systems. Recognising the growing applications of hydrogen and the corresponding skills gap in the labour market, Hanze University of Applied Sciences is developing a new vocational course: Developing Business Cases in the Hydrogen Value Chain.

The course is being developed as part of the European H2CoVE project and aims to equip both students and working professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to actively contribute to the hydrogen economy. Course developers Myriam Jansen and Steffen Eriksen explain how the programme came about and what participants can expect.

Anticipating the Future

Although the large scale application of green hydrogen is still in its early stages, its potential role in decarbonising industry, transport, and energy systems is significant. “We believe hydrogen will play a bigger role in society in the future. We want to get ahead of the change and make sure students and professionals are already adequately trained,” Jansen says.

Eriksen adds: “In the case of this course, it will give students and professionals the tools to develop business cases to advance the hydrogen economy.”

Students and Professionals

The course is designed for two primary target groups. On the one hand, the course is aimed at Bachelor students at Hanze who will soon enter the labour market and need a solid understanding of the hydrogen value chain. “On the one hand, we have Bachelor students at the Hanze, who will graduate in a few years and who will need some knowledge about the hydrogen value chain to prepare them for the future. On the other hand, we have professionals that are already working in the field that should make the transition to more sustainable energy sources,” says Jansen.

Notably, professionals from the gas industry are increasingly interested in transitioning to hydrogen: “For them, it is quite relatable in terms of infrastructure. This course could be a stepping stone for them,” Eriksen says.

Modular Structure with Practical Focus

Developing Business Cases in the Hydrogen Value Chain consists of four modules that together guide participants step by step toward a complete business case. While it is possible for professionals to follow individual modules, completing all four is required to obtain a micro-credential.

“At the end of the course, participants should be able to develop their own business case in the hydrogen value chain,” Eriksen says. “The learning outcomes of each separate module are tied to this goal. They learn everything from the general principles about business case development, what are linear and circular value chains, how to assess financials, and some regulatory aspects regarding hydrogen.”

Jansen: “The great thing is, professionals can bring in their own business case, meaning they complete the course with a ready-to-use case to bring back to their own company or employer.” Hanze students will work towards a fictional business case, teaching them a skill they can apply as future professionals.

H2CoVE Collaboration

The course has been developed in close collaboration with partners within the H2CoVE network. Feedback from partner companies helped identify the most relevant skills and knowledge gaps, while educational partners in Austria and Estonia contributed insights and peer feedback. “Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol and Taltech Virumaa College are developing courses in a similar field, so they are able to provide targeted feedback,” Eriksen says.

“What really inspired me,” Jansen adds, “is that we have been able to bring together the right people to build this course. Despite full agendas, people continue to make time for these meaningful developments.”

Pilot Launch

The course will be piloted for students in Semester 1 of the 2026–2027 academic year, carrying 5 ECTS at EQF levels 5–6. A pilot version for professionals is expected to follow in 2027, with the possibility to earn a micro‑credential upon completion of all modules.

With this course, Hanze hopes to train both the current as the next generation of professionals who will shape the hydrogen economy of the future.