Bringing Green Hydrogen into the Classroom

Understanding hydrogen technologies is becoming increasingly important as schools prepare students for a future powered by clean energy. The Educational Initiative "Green Hydrogen" is a practical, hands-on teaching resource that introduces learners to the fundamental principles of hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation through safe and engaging classroom experiments.

The resource takes students through the complete hydrogen energy cycle. Beginning with water electrolysis, learners generate hydrogen and oxygen using a simple electrolysis setup before exploring how hydrogen can be converted back into electricity using a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell. Students can then apply this knowledge by powering a small fuel cell vehicle, providing a tangible demonstration of how hydrogen can be used as a clean transport fuel.

Beyond electricity generation, the resource introduces the concept of renewable energy storage, explaining how surplus electricity from wind and solar can be converted into hydrogen and stored for later use. It also explores different storage methods and demonstrates the energy contained within hydrogen through carefully controlled classroom experiments. These activities encourage students to connect scientific theory with real-world applications in energy, sustainability, and transport.

Designed for schools, and STEM outreach activities, the experiments require only simple laboratory equipment while illustrating important concepts in chemistry, physics, renewable energy, and engineering. The resource encourages hands-on learning and provides an excellent foundation for discussions about climate change, decarbonisation, and future energy systems.

This educational material was developed by Dieter Arnold, Email:  lcd.arnold@t-online.de