Hydrogen technology in the steel and metal industry - in-depth

Do you want to understand how hydrogen can transform the industry of the future—and how your company can be part of the journey? This course provides a technical deep dive into the role of hydrogen in the mining and metal industry, focusing on practical application, safety, and system integration.

You will gain tools for making your own rough calculations, discuss strategic choices, and understand how hydrogen affects both processes and business opportunities. The course is especially designed for those working in small and medium-sized enterprises in the steel and metal value chain.

Structure

• 10 lectures via Zoom (recorded, approx. 45–60 min each)

• 3 seminars with discussion and reflection (live via Zoom, 2h each)

• 2–3 assignments with practical rough calculations (approx. 1 h each)

• Compendium (“Introduction to Industrial Hydrogen Technology”) containing everything mentioned in the lectures and more, with ample references for further information.

• Optional in-depth study via articles and reports. The course brings together participants from different companies, providing opportunities for valuable discussions during the seminars.

To pass the course, participation in the sessions is required; after completing the course, you will receive a certificate.

Overall learning objectives

After completing the course, the participant should have a technical understanding of the role of hydrogen in industrial processes and be able to apply basic knowledge in practical contexts within the steel and metal industry.

Specific learning objectives

After the course, the participant should be able to:

1. Explain the role of hydrogen in the energy transition and its strategic importance for a fossil-free industry.
2. Describe different techniques for hydrogen production, including electrolysis, SMR, and biomass-based methods.
3. Understand how hydrogen can be integrated into the energy system, including flexibility, storage, and impact on the power grid.
4. Perform rough calculations of energy needs, hydrogen volumes, and system effects in industrial applications.
5. Account for storage and distribution of hydrogen, including technical solutions such as compressed gas, LOHC, and ammonia.
6. Understand the Power-to-X concept and its application in synthetic fuels and chemicals.
7. Identify material challenges related to hydrogen, such as embrittlement and permeation.
8. Apply basic principles of hydrogen safety, including risk analysis and safety design.
9. Assess the environmental impact of hydrogen use, including life cycle analysis and climate impact.
10. Reflect on the role of hydrogen in the transport sector and its future potential.
11. Discuss how the knowledge can be applied in their own company and identify possible areas for development.

Instructor

Rikard Gebart is the main instructor for this course. He is a professor of energy technology and active at the research and competence center CH2ESS – Centre for Hydrogen Energy Systems Sweden at Luleå University of Technology. Rikard has extensive experience in research and development within energy and industry, both in business, at research institutes, and at LTU. He has deep expertise in simulations, experiments, and technology development—from nuclear power components to hydrogen solutions. Other lecturers will also be invited to the course sessions based on their specific expertise.