Open Grid Europe launches new hydrogen training centre

Dedicated training facility in Werne is the first of its kind in Europe

Essen-based gas transmission system operator Open Grid Europe (OGE) today opened its new H₂ training centre, which is unique in Europe.

To meet the requirements associated with hydrogen, OGE had teamed up with specialist partners such as the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) and Gas- und Wärme-Institut Essen e.V. (GWI) to design and build the dedicated H₂ training centre in Werne. The new facility allows technical personnel to learn how to safely handle hydrogen under real-world conditions and to practise specific operating procedures.

The invited guests included OGE employees working at the station in Werne, partners from DVGW and GWI, as well as politicians, including representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE).

Opening not only the event but also the training site, OGE’s CEO Dr Thomas Hüwener said: "The transformation of the energy market will only succeed if we do it together. With expertise, a sense of responsibility and the courage to break new ground. The H₂ training centre is a prime example of this kind of joint effort and a building block in the development of OGE’s hydrogen business and the ramp-up of the hydrogen sector across Germany. It makes Werne a centre of excellence for the safe and efficient handling of hydrogen in the transmission network."

Detlef Brüggemeyer, OGE’s CTO, added: "This site features all of the system components needed for hydrogen transmission, which allows us to practice work routines under actual operating conditions. The courses we offer here are designed as individual modules with a strong practical element."

One module focusses on installation, maintenance and inspection activities and involves simulating the shutdown and restart of pipe sections, system components and assemblies. Another module addresses the safe handling of hydrogen in pipelines and systems. All of these training modules are certified by the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) and therefore meet the highest of safety standards.

Following the official opening, guests had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the training centre, for which OGE has invested 10 million euros. Starting in autumn, the training courses will also be available to non-OGE groups, and the first registrations have already been received.