Austria – Energy Agency of Styria (EASt)
Styria Competence Centre Pilot & Planning Input

Overview

The Energy Agency Styria (EASt), in cooperation with the HyCentA, an independent research institute, has developed comprehensive training materials aimed at strengthening awareness and understanding of hydrogen across multiple target groups. These materials were designed for upper-secondary school students, municipalities, educational institutions, engineers, and service providers. They convey both fundamental knowledge and practical insights into hydrogen applications, opportunities, and challenges. Furthermore, the trainings serve as an important tool to actively support the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy.

 

Implementation and Key Activities

Throughout the development process, the content was carefully adapted to the prior knowledge and needs of the respective target groups. To validate the effectiveness of the materials, pilot sessions were carried out both in a secondary school and through online workshops with several municipalities. The feedback collected during these pilot trainings played an essential role in refining and optimizing the content.

 

Results and Policy Impact

The pilot phase showed a clear increase in awareness and understanding of hydrogen and its role in the energy transition. Participants such as teachers, municipal representatives, and technical professionals highlighted the clarity and relevance of the materials. The content supports regional energy and climate goals by providing foundational knowledge and practical guidance for educational initiatives, municipal planning, and professional training. While the EASt does not offer regular training programs or operate a physical information center, organizations and institutions can request hydrogen-related training as part of the agency’s service-oriented offering.

 

Transferability and Lessons Learned (Key Success Factors)

The modular structure of the training materials has proven highly effective, as it allows easy adaptation to different audiences and contexts. The use of accessible language helps simplify complex technical concepts, making the materials suitable for both educational institutions and local governments. Collaboration with a respected hydrogen institute further strengthens credibility and builds trust among participants. Regional examples and real-world applications improve engagement and support practical understanding. Because the trainings are offered on request rather than actively promoted, clear communication of the service-based nature of the offering is essential. Overall, the project demonstrates how well-designed, target-group-specific training materials can effectively raise awareness and contribute to the long-term development of a sustainable hydrogen economy.