Education is the Key to the Energy Transition!

Education is the Key to the Energy Transition!

On October 3, 2025, “Goce Delčev” University in Shtip, North Macedonia, hosted a major event focused on the future of energy.
Prof. DSc. Daria Vladikova from Trakia University, Bulgaria, delivered an inspiring lecture titled “The 21st Century – The Century of the Hydrogen Economy.”
She emphasized the pivotal role of hydrogen technologies and their direct link to the European Green Deal.

The challenge: By 2030, the EU is expected to face a shortage of over 180,000 qualified specialists in the hydrogen sector.
A solution: The European Hydrogen Academy (HyAcademy).

In response to the growing need for highly educated professionals in hydrogen technologies, the HyAcademy was presented as a key initiative to:

• Build a network connecting schools and universities;
• Develop modern educational materials;
• Support and train educators;
• Provide free access to resources through a web-based digital library.

From the Classroom to the Race Track! 

The enthusiasm from undergraduate, doctoral students, and high school pupils was immense. Students from North Macedonia expressed a strong desire to participate in the H2 Grand Prix Grand Prix hydrogen car competitions!

As a result, a professor from "Kiro Spandzov" High School – Brko, Kavadarci, has already visited Bulgaria to explore training opportunities and the formation of a Macedonian team. The HyAcademy will assist in the realization of this plan!

This is an excellent example of cross-border collaboration that directly supports the development of young talent in the field of clean energy!

How do you see the role of higher education in preparing future hydrogen technology specialists? Share your thoughts and be part of the change!