Hydrogen project development officers are involved in green hydrogen production (hydrogen that is produced using electricity from renewable sources). They may manage teams of professionals in areas such as engineering and finance, set project actions, be responsible for project outcomes, including emissions savings, promote use of green hydrogen in certain sectors and deliver presentations and reports to industry partners.

The Work

You could be: 

• working with communities and industries such as agriculture to identify areas where energy use can switch to green hydrogen 
• writing funding applications to support projects 
• liaising with other professionals to develop project tasks and required outcomes (project deliverables) 
• responsible for calculating projected project emissions savings through switching from fossil fuels 
• liaising with new and existing partners to support the project 
• ensuring that technical, environmental and regulatory requirements are considered throughout the project 
• raising the profile of green hydrogen projects by presenting at industry conferences, producing reports and providing other communications 
• promoting the benefits of green energy, including potential for ‘green jobs’. 

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on: 

• where you work 
• the size of the company or organisation you work for 
• the demand for the job. 

Starting salaries for hydrogen project development officers can be around £24,000 to £27,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to around £40,000 and in a senior or management position, could be up to £55,000 a year.

Conditions

• You would work in an office (possibly hybrid working – a mixture of office and home), but you may visit clients on site. 
• You might have to travel to meetings in other parts of the country. You may have to spend nights away from home. 
• You would usually work Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, but sometimes you might need to work evenings and weekends when attending events or workshops.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Engineering (SCQF Level 6)
• Engineering Science
• Mathematics
• SfW Energy
• SfW Engineering Skills

Getting In

• A business, finance, economic or engineering related qualification is useful, but not always necessary. 
• You could get in with a degree (SCQF Levels 9-10), HND (SCQF Level 8) or HNC (SCQF Level 7) in a relevant subject, which could include areas such as finance, HR and marketing. 
• Entry requirements vary according to the level of course, but are normally 1-2 Highers for an HNC or HND and 4-5 Highers for a degree. 
• Studying for a relevant Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) while in fifth and sixth year at school could count towards entry to a degree. Entry requirements vary between colleges. 
• It is important to know about the industry, so attending events and meeting people is beneficial to your career. 
• Some entrants study for a relevant postgraduate (SCQF Level 11) qualification relating to energy. 
• You may be able to work your way up to this position from an engineering role. 

Hydrogen project development officers can work for industry bodies and companies involved in green and renewable energies, including research and development institutions. 

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

19391

1.8 %

RISE

2029

19741

  United Kingdom

2024

276340

3.7 %

RISE

2029

286557

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What Does it Take?

You need to have: 

• excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• excellent organisational skills 
• critical thinking and problem solving skills 
• initiative and the ability to consider new ideas. 

You need to be able to: 

• analyse data 
• work under pressure and meet deadlines 
• work in a team 
• collaborate with a wide range of professionals 
• adapt and deal with change.

Training

• You could study courses relating to the industry to expand your knowledge. 
• You would do on the job training to gain a full understanding of any industry legislation and initiatives. 

Getting On

With a few years' experience and more knowledge and understanding of the industry, you could move up to senior project officer. 

After several years, you may become a manager, leading a team of others. 

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.