Hydrogen’s role in the mining and metal industry - orientation course

Hydrogen is on its way to becoming a key component in the fossil-free industry of the future. This course provides you with an accessible introduction to the possibilities and challenges of hydrogen technology—with a special focus on how small and medium-sized enterprises in the steel value chain can be affected and contribute.

You will get an overview of the technology, areas of application, and safety aspects, and have the opportunity to discuss with other professionals in the region. The course requires no advanced prior knowledge and is suitable for those who want to understand what hydrogen could mean for your workplace and your industry.

Structure

The course is conducted over one day as short lectures interspersed with group discussions and is aimed at all employees within small and medium-sized enterprises in the steel value chain. It provides a broad introduction to the role of hydrogen in the energy transition and industry, with a special focus on applications in the steel and metal sector in Norrbotten and Västerbotten.

Course agenda

• 09:00 - 10:30 Block 1: What is hydrogen technology and why is it important?
• 10:30 - 11:00 Coffee
• 11:00 - 12:30 Block 2: What can hydrogen be used for and what business opportunities can it lead to?
• 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
• 13:30 - 15:00 Block 3: Strategy workshop - what significance can hydrogen have for me and my company?
• 15:00 - 15:30 Coffee
• 15:30 - 17:00 Block 4: Future outlook

Learning objectives

After completing the course, the participant should have a basic understanding of the properties of hydrogen, its areas of application, and its significance for the energy transition and industry—with a special focus on the steel and metal sector in Norrbotten and Västerbotten.

After the course, the participant should be able to:

• Describe what hydrogen is and how it is produced.

• Understand hydrogen’s role in future energy systems and industrial processes.

• Be familiar with different uses for hydrogen, including steel and chemical production, transport, and energy storage.

• Identify basic safety aspects when handling hydrogen.

• Reflect on how hydrogen may affect their own company and industry.

• Seek further information and deepen their knowledge using the provided compendium and recommended sources.

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

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.