14 September 2026
On 11 September, the Interreg Europe UNLOCK project hosted a European webinar on Improving Regional Policies to Better Support Regional Hydrogen Education. Bringing together participants from across Europe, the event showcased how lessons from the Northern Netherlands are helping other regions strengthen their hydrogen education ecosystems and prepare the workforce needed for the energy transition.
The webinar highlighted the UNLOCK pilot in Portugal’s Médio Tejo region, which was inspired by the Northern Netherlands’ approach to developing hydrogen skills through collaboration between industry, education providers and public authorities.
The Northern Netherlands has built a strong position in hydrogen innovation over the past decade. Alongside investments in hydrogen infrastructure and industry, the region has developed a growing ecosystem for hydrogen education and workforce development.
During the webinar, Dr Beata Kviatek, Project Leader of UNLOCK and Jean Monnet Professor at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, explained how the project focuses on transferring good practices between European regions. Rather than copying specific educational programmes, UNLOCK helps regions learn from successful approaches and adapt them to their own economic and policy contexts.
The Portuguese pilot demonstrates how knowledge developed in the Northern Netherlands can support regions facing similar challenges around workforce development and skills shortages.
Anke de Poorte, Lead Human Capita in the Energy Transition at Entrance and UNLOCK Pilot Manager, highlighted the growing importance of skills development for Europe’s hydrogen ambitions.
As hydrogen technologies move from demonstration to deployment, regions increasingly need technicians, engineers and other professionals with specialised knowledge. According to De Poorte, education systems must be able to respond quickly to changing labour market needs, requiring closer cooperation between education, industry and government.
The Northern Netherlands has extensive experience in fostering these connections, making it a valuable example for regions seeking to strengthen their hydrogen workforce.
Providing additional insights during the webinar, Dr Steffen Eriksen, Senior Researcher, reflected on the factors that influence successful hydrogen ecosystem development.
His contribution focused on the importance of regional collaboration, stakeholder engagement and governance structures that connect innovation, economic development and education. These elements are increasingly recognised as critical for ensuring that workforce development keeps pace with technological change.
The discussion reinforced that developing hydrogen education is not simply about creating new courses. It requires long-term cooperation between multiple actors and a shared vision for regional development.
Through UNLOCK, the experience of the Northern Netherlands is helping regions across Europe translate hydrogen ambitions into concrete educational and policy actions.
The webinar demonstrated how interregional cooperation can accelerate learning and enable regions to avoid reinventing the wheel. By sharing knowledge, practical experiences and lessons learned, Northern Dutch partners are contributing to stronger hydrogen ecosystems not only at home, but across Europe.
As the hydrogen economy continues to grow, initiatives such as UNLOCK show that building the workforce of the future is just as important as developing the technologies themselves. The experience of the Northern Netherlands offers valuable insights for regions looking to combine innovation, education and regional policy to support the energy transition.
