Hiring for Hydrogen-Ready Gas Projects: The Skills You Need

Hydrogen is moving from research into real projects on the UK gas network. Transmission and distribution operators are testing how existing pipelines and equipment can carry hydrogen or hydrogen blends, and industrial clusters are planning hydrogen supply for heavy industry.

For employers, that raises a practical question: who do you need on the team, and where do you find them?

Hydrogen work is still gas work

The most important point is that hydrogen projects build on gas network knowledge. Repurposing a pipeline, testing a blend or building a hydrogen-ready installation still means working with pressurised gas assets, under the same safety rules, permit systems and competence frameworks.

That's why people with strong gas backgrounds are in such demand for hydrogen work. It's also why a gas specialist recruiter is well placed to find them. We explored this in our article on gas-only recruitment and the hydrogen transition.

The skills that matter

• Pipeline and materials engineering. Hydrogen behaves differently from natural gas, including its effect on some steels. Engineers who understand materials, integrity and testing are central to repurposing projects.
• Process safety. Hydrogen has different ignition, leakage and dispersion characteristics. Process safety and hazardous-area specialists are needed from design through to operation.
• Design to evolving standards. Standards and guidance for hydrogen are still developing. Designers who follow IGEM work and can apply new guidance are valuable.
• EC&I and metering. Measurement, gas quality monitoring and control systems all need adapting for hydrogen and blends.
• Commissioning and testing. Trials depend on careful testing, commissioning and data collection.
• Quality and documentation. First-of-a-kind projects need strong quality management and clear records. See our article on QMS in the gas industry.
• Project and stakeholder management. Hydrogen projects often involve regulators, government funding, research partners and the public.

How to build a hydrogen-ready team

• Start from gas competence. Build around experienced gas engineers, then add specialist hydrogen knowledge where needed.
• Look across industries. Chemical, process and industrial gases sectors have long experience of handling hydrogen. Their people can bring that knowledge across.
• Invest in upskilling. Hydrogen awareness and specific technical training can help your existing team take on hydrogen work.
• Plan early. The pool of people with real hydrogen project experience is small. Identify key roles well before the project starts.

How we can help

Onshore Technical specialises in gas and energy recruitment, and our team understands both today's network and the work needed for the energy transition. We can help you find experienced gas engineers, specialists from adjacent industries, and complete project teams.

To talk about an upcoming project, register a vacancy. If you're a gas professional interested in hydrogen work, browse our current jobs.