Collaboration between Cal State LA and SoCalGas to foster a skilled workforce in Southern California's growing hydrogen industry
In a significant move towards clean energy solutions, California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) have partnered for the Hydrogen Education for a Decarbonized Global Economy (H2EDGE) initiative. This collaboration aims to prepare a diverse and skilled workforce that can meet the growing demand for hydrogen energy.
The H2EDGE program, created by the Electric Power Research Institute and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), is designed to advance hydrogen technologies and develop a strong hydrogen workforce. The partnership between Cal State LA and SoCalGas is part of broader efforts to support clean energy transitions and workforce development in the region.
David Blekhman, technical director of Cal State LA's HRFF and professor of technology in the university's College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, is involved in the H2EDGE program. SoCalGas engineers have mentored Cal State LA students to develop a modern HVAC system for SoCalGas' H2 Innovation Experience.
The students simulated various conditions and scenarios, including modeling a hydrogen blend-powered home in different environments, such as the desert or mountains, to test how geography would impact the HVAC system. Cal State LA's hydrogen workforce development is supported by its innovative curriculum and student internships at its HRFF, the nation's largest hydrogen fueling facility on a university campus for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
SoCalGas, which is working to shape California's 21st-century energy system through investments in clean renewable hydrogen, renewable natural gas, fuel cells, and carbon management, invests in 46 workforce development programs throughout its service territory, beyond its collaboration with Cal State LA and participation in the H2EDGE program.
The H2EDGE program offers instruction through short courses, online workshops, professional development activities, and networking opportunities. The initiative has seen a significant increase in student participation on the Cal State LA campus. Neil Navin, senior vice president of engineering and major projects and chief clean fuels officer at SoCalGas, expressed excitement about collaborating with Cal State LA on the H2EDGE initiative.
For more information about the H2EDGE program, visit the official website provided by SoCalGas. To learn more about Cal State LA's hydrogen research and workforce development, visit the HRFF website. The latest news shaping the hydrogen market can be found on a specified website.
This collaboration between Cal State LA and SoCalGas under the H2EDGE initiative is focused on developing and training the emerging hydrogen industry workforce in Southern California. The initiative clearly targets building capacity for hydrogen energy sectors and aligns with regional sustainability and energy goals. SoCalGas selected Cal State LA to be one of 20 affiliated universities in the H2EDGE program, making them the only paired participants from California. The collaboration emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce development, as SoCalGas' workforce development program aims to achieve social impact in these areas.
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