Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced an exciting new internship program called Hydrogen INTERN. This program aims to develop a skilled workforce for the clean hydrogen industry. Funded by the DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) and part of NSF’s INTERN program, it will offer up to 10 six-month internships each year for graduate students.
Program Goals
The Hydrogen INTERN program is part of the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. Its goal is to provide real-world experience to students who are preparing for careers in the growing clean hydrogen sector. Dr. Sunita Satyapal, HFTO Director, emphasized the importance of training the next generation of professionals, given the expected growth of the hydrogen industry.
Importance of Clean Hydrogen
Hydrogen is crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-reach sectors like heavy transportation, industrial processes, and the production of fuels and fertilizers. The U.S. aims to produce 10 million metric tons of clean hydrogen per year by 2030 and 50 million metric tons by 2050. A well-trained workforce will be essential to achieve these goals across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to usage.
Professional Development
Susan Margulies, NSF Assistant Director for Engineering, highlighted that this program will prepare students for diverse careers in hydrogen energy, boosting the U.S. clean energy sector. Terrence Mosley, EERE Senior Advisor for Diversity and STEM, noted that the internship program demonstrates a commitment to exposing students to clean energy careers and providing them with the necessary experience and resources.
Program Details
The Hydrogen INTERN program enhances academic training and prepares students for various career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Graduate students involved in NSF-funded projects are eligible to apply. Faculty advisors will submit applications on behalf of interested students.
Selected interns will receive $55,000 and have the opportunity to work in industry, non-profit organizations, national laboratories, other government agencies, or other non-academic settings. This program will provide students with valuable experience in the hydrogen field and support their professional growth.
Excitement and Support
Alexandra Isern, NSF Assistant Director for Geosciences, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating that it offers a unique opportunity for students to join the cutting-edge field of hydrogen exploration and contribute to clean energy solutions.
The NSF INTERN program, established in 2017, provides experiential learning opportunities through six-month research internships. The Hydrogen INTERN program is coordinated through the NSF-DOE Memorandum of Understanding, signed in March 2022, which formalizes the partnership between the agencies to support national energy policy through scientific and engineering research.
In summary, the Hydrogen INTERN program is a significant step towards building a skilled workforce for the clean hydrogen industry, offering valuable opportunities for graduate students to gain practical experience and contribute to the future of clean energy.
