Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced an exciting new internship program aimed at developing the workforce needed for the growing clean hydrogen industry. This program, called Hydrogen INTERN, is funded by DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) and is part of NSF’s Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (NSF INTERN) program.
A Big Step Towards a Clean Hydrogen Future
Hydrogen INTERN will support up to 10 graduate students each year, offering them six-month research internships. These internships will provide valuable professional development and training for careers in the emerging clean hydrogen economy.
Dr. Sunita Satyapal, HFTO Director and DOE Hydrogen Program Coordinator, expressed excitement about the program, saying, “Equipping the next generation of clean hydrogen professionals with real-world experience is crucial, given the industry’s growth projections over the coming decades.”
Why Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is seen as a key player in reducing emissions in tough-to-decarbonize sectors like heavy transportation, industrial processes, and the production of liquid fuels and fertilizers. According to the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, the goal is to produce 10 million metric tons of clean hydrogen per year by 2030 and 50 million metric tons by 2050. To achieve this, a skilled workforce is essential throughout the entire hydrogen lifecycle, from research and development to operations and maintenance.
Preparing Students for the Future
Susan Margulies, NSF assistant director for engineering, highlighted the program’s benefits, saying, “This opportunity for hydrogen and fuel cell technology research will prepare graduate students for diverse careers in hydrogen energy and help spur U.S. growth in clean energy.”
Terrence Mosley, EERE senior advisor for diversity and STEM, added, “The burgeoning hydrogen sector is creating many high-quality jobs. This internship program will expose students to clean energy careers and provide them with the experience and resources they need to succeed.”
Benefits and Opportunities
Hydrogen INTERN offers graduate students $55,000 for their internship, along with various placement options in industry, non-profit organizations, national laboratories, other government agencies, or other settings outside of academia. This program complements academic training, enhances career preparation, and encourages diverse participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Alexandra Isern, NSF assistant director for geosciences, noted, “Hydrogen INTERN will provide geoscience-focused graduate students with a unique opportunity to expand their skills and explore clean energy solutions.”
A Strong Partnership
Established in 2017, NSF INTERN provides six-month experiential learning opportunities through research internships. This initiative is part of a broader partnership formalized in March 2022 through a Memorandum of Understanding between NSF and DOE, aimed at boosting national energy policy through scientific and engineering research.
Hydrogen INTERN is set to play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals to lead the clean hydrogen industry, paving the way for a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
