COURSE DESCRIPTION
Hydrogen will play a major role in the transition to a low-carbon society. Still, it also introduces demanding conditions for materials and components across the entire value chain, from production and compression to storage, transport, and end-use. Many of the most critical technical risks in hydrogen systems are materials-related, including loss of ductility and premature fracture, accelerated fatigue, unexpected leakage, seal degradation, corrosion, and performance degradation over time. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for making safe, reliable, and cost-effective engineering decisions.
This course offers a practical, engineering-focused introduction to materials in the hydrogen economy, including catalysts in hydrogen production and materials used in hydrogen storage and transportation, as well as their impact on component lifetime and system safety. You will learn how hydrogen enters materials, how it moves (diffusion and permeation), where it accumulates (trapping sites), and how these processes can trigger degradation. A special focus is placed on hydrogen embrittlement in metals, particularly in steels and welded joints, because these materials are widely used in pipelines, pressure vessels, fittings, and structural components. The course also covers non-metallic materials that are crucial for hydrogen infrastructure, including polymers, elastomers, and coatings used in liners, seals, hoses, gaskets, and protective layers.
In addition to the fundamental mechanisms, the course connects theory to real engineering choices. You will discuss which materials are suitable under different hydrogen conditions (pressure, temperature, purity, moisture, cycling), what typical failure modes look like, and what mitigation strategies can be used in practice, such as material selection, heat treatment, surface engineering/coatings, design measures, operating-window choices, and inspection/testing approaches. The course also introduces materials challenges in key hydrogen technologies such as electrolysers and storage solutions, highlighting how degradation and compatibility issues influence performance and maintenance needs. You will also discuss hydrogen carriers and their storage and utilization solutions.
The teaching format combines short, focused lectures with seminar discussions and an applied assignment. Participants are encouraged to bring examples from their own work or studies (for example, a pipeline material choice, a valve and seal problem, a storage tank concept, or an electrolyser component, chemical and physical storage systems) and use these as case studies during seminars and in the final assignment. By the end of the course, you will have both the conceptual framework and the practical tools needed to evaluate materials risks in hydrogen applications and make better-informed decisions for real systems.
What you will be able to do after the course
After completing the course, you will be able to:
Explain key mechanisms of hydrogen–materials interactions and their consequences
Identify materials-related risks in hydrogen production, storage, and transportation
Evaluate and justify materials choices for hydrogen components and systems
Propose mitigation strategies (design choices, coatings, operating conditions, testing/inspection approaches)
Course structure (March 2–31)
6 lectures: Overview of hydrogen economy and materials, Materials in hydrogen production, Hydrogen materials interaction-core concepts, mechanisms, and engineering implications, Hydrogen Carriers, and materials selection and design
2 seminars: discussion of case studies and participant problems/components
1 assignment: applied analysis/report linked to a realistic hydrogen application (can be connected to your work/project)
March 2 Lecture-Introduction 10:00-10:45 Farid Akhtar Introduction
March 5 Lecture I 09:30-11:00 Valentina Zaccaria hydrogen production and utilization – An overview
March 6 Lecture II 10:00-11:30 Farid Akhtar Materials in Hydrogen Infrastrucutre- An Overview
March 12 Lecture III 10:00-12:30 Alberto Vomiero/Marshet Sendeku Materials in Hydrogen production and conversion
March 17 Lecture IV 10:00-11:30 Farid Akhtar Hydrogen Embrittlement Mechanism and Theory
March 19 Seminar I 10:00-12:00 Farid Akhtar Topic I
March 23 Lecture V 10:00-11:30 Farid Akhtar Mitigating Hydrogen embrittlement: Materials selection and development
March 26 Seminar II 10:00-12:00 Farid Akhtar Topic II
March 30 Discussion/White Board 09:30-11:00 Farid Akhtar Sorting Challenges
For whom
Engineers and professionals working with hydrogen technologies (or planning hydrogen projects)
Master’s students in relevant fields
Entry requirements
Recommended background in engineering/natural sciences (materials/mechanics/chemistry/physics or equivalent). Relevant professional experience can also qualify.
Examination
Based on:
Assignment (report and/or presentation)
Participation in lectures, seminars and discussions
Course responsible/examiner: Farid Akhtar
As an energy carrier, hydrogen plays a crucial role in decarbonization and the future of a low-carbon society, where hydrogen production is one of the most important steps in the hydrogen chain. Hydrogen itself can be produced from different processes, and different colors were used to identify the environmental impact, where green hydrogen has been identified as the best in the future. However, the green hydrogen covers only about 1% of the world's production, even with increasing interest. Therefore, learning more about the green hydrogen production will be essential to reach the goal. In the course of hydrogen production, different technologies will be briefly discussed, and the green hydrogen production via water electrolysis or biomass gasification will be the focus, where the principle, component, process, together with sector coupling, will be discussed, and the state-of-the-art and the potential will be covered. To combine with specific implementation and special interests, one seminar, together with a report, will be arranged. It is expected that after this course, basic knowledge of hydrogen production technologies as well as their state-of-the-art and challenges will be clarified; Specific knowledge on the green hydrogen product from principle to the process will be provided, and the students can propose their ideas on how to promote green hydrogen production. Course StartSeptember, 22nd 2025 Seminars- September, 22nd 2025 at 13:00- Week 41, date and time to be decided- October 24th, 2025 at 13:00 Study hours40 hours over 4 weeks time Target GroupThis course is aimed at professionals working in or entering fields related to energy, sustainability, and environmental technologies and is especially beneficial for those with an interest in green hydrogen production and its practical implementation within the broader context of a low-carbon society. Specifically, it is relevant for: Engineers and technical professionals in the energy sector who want to deepen their understanding of hydrogen technologies. Researchers and scientists focused on renewable energy, decarbonization, or green technologies. Policy makers and energy consultants involved in shaping or advising on energy transition strategies. Project managers and business developers working in the development or implementation of hydrogen-based projects. Graduate students and academic professionals pursuing advanced studies or research in energy systems, chemical engineering, or environmental science. Entry RequirementsMOOC Hydrogen for sustainable solutions. Other courses or practical experience. This can be validated through and interview or written test. Please note that the number of participants for this course is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible! Education providerLuleå University of TechnologyTeacher: Xiaoyan Ji
Do you want to deepen your understanding of hydrogen gas behavior in various scenarios—and at the same time strengthen your role in the green transition? This course provides knowledge of both controlled and uncontrolled reactions in hydrogen systems, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and practical application. The course content is: · Unignited releasesExpanded and under-expanded jets · Ignition of hydrogen mixturesPiloted and spontaneous ignition · Deflagrations and detonationsVented and non-vented deflagrationsVented and non-vented detonationsDDT, deflagration to detonation transition · Jet flamesFroude-based correlationsBlow-off phenomenonJet flame characteristics Study hours40 hours distributed over 5 weeks SeminarsNovember, 14th at 11:00-12:30November, 28th at 11:00-12:30December, 12th at 11:00-12:30 Dates and times can be discussed online among participants once the course starts. It is ok to eat lunch during the seminars. Target groupThis course is aimed at professionals working in or entering fields related to safety of hydrogen handling and hydrogen infrastructure. Specifically, it is relevant for engineers and technical professionals in all fields where hydrogen is used. Entry requirementsBachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS, or equivalent, which includes courses of at least 60 ECTS in engineering and/or natural sciences. Alternatively other courses and practical experience. The latter can be validated through an interview or written test. ExaminationIn order to pass the course the student must:- Attend the three compulsory online meetings.- Write an essay which is reviewed by other students and approved by the teacher.- Pass four compulsory quizzes. Education providerLuleå University of TechnologyTeacher: Michael Först
Nuclear power technology has been a major asset since the mid-70s for decarbonizing electricity generation and for decreasing our reliance on fossil fuel. With more than 400 nuclear reactors currently in operation worldwide (more than 90 being in Western Europe) and more than 50 under construction, nuclear reactors will play a significant role for many years to come. By following this course, you will be able to understand the development of this technology from its early days, how it works, its advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and how it may contribute to climate-change mitigation. This course provides a holistic perspective and increased knowledge in nuclear reactor technology. Topics Part 1: Nuclear power: an old story...: 3 chapters detailing the underlying principles of nuclear reactors for the purpose of understanding the history of the development of nuclear power: Elementary concepts in nuclear physics. Working principles of nuclear reactors. History of world nuclear power development. Part 2: Nuclear reactor technology: 11 chapters focusing on how a nuclear reactor works, with emphasis on Light Water Reactor (LWR) technology. Both the phenomenological and engineering aspects of nuclear reactors are covered. Electricity production. Reactor generations. Light Water Reactor (LWR) technology. Thermodynamic analysis of LWRs. Neutron cycle. Fuel depletion. Reactor control. Reactor dynamics. Reactor operation. Fundamental principles of reactor safety. Nuclear fuel. Part 3: Nuclear power, saving the world? 5 chapters explaining the aspects of nuclear power to be considered in a climate mitigation perspective, and the advantages/disadvantages/limitations of this technology. Nuclear fuel, waste and resources. Proliferation risks. Risks. Cost of electricity. Conclusions. Course structure and set-up This is a self-paced course made of video lectures and interactive quizzes, which means that you can start and finish the course whenever you want. The course is free of charge and is given in English. The resources need to be studied sequentially. You cannot bypass given resources unless all previous learning activities were taken: For the video lectures, this means watching the video recording. For the quizzes, this means correctly answering the quiz questions, for which an unlimited number of attempts is allowed. For a few quizzes slightly more involved, you will be able to access the following resources even if you fail to find the correct answer. After completing the course, you will be issued a course certificate. Completing the course means reaching the end of the course, for which you need to have watched all video lectures and attempted all quizzes (the vast majority of the quizzes also require to have found the correct answer to the quiz questions). Expected amount of work Completing the entire course takes about 40 hours of work. Level of the course Basic. A BSc in Engineering or similar knowledge is required. As all principles presented in the course are derived from scratch, any participant with an engineering background will be able to comprehend the course.
The EU’s circular economy strategy increases the need for expertise in the use of sustainable and recycled materials. This course provides tools and knowledge for the use of sustainable materials, development towards sustainability of existing materials, recycled and upcycled materials and how they contribute to the green transition through reduced energy consumption, longer lifespan, reduced costs, reduced waste volumes, better user-friendliness and opportunities for social entrepreneurship. The course will give you the opportunity to work on your own project in your own context and include different creative and practical tools. Course content Part 1: Introduction to the Circular Economy Part 2: Design for Recycling Part 3: Use of Recycled Materials Part 4: Substitution with Sustainable Alternatives Part 5: Conditions for Circular Systems and Economies Course design Open online course with pre-recorded lectures, interview and workshops, with reading, reflection and creative assignments. Self-paced, start and finish when you want to. This course takes about 80 hours to complete. You will learn How circular economy, material flows and sustainable materials can be understood in a broader sustainability context. Using various tools and models to analyze and improve material flows and product design. Practically apply and implement the knowledge in the course to their own business or a chosen project. Who is the course for? The course is aimed at professionals in industry, waste management, construction, material production, product development, recycling solutions, local and regional government, design and different creative professions. It is also open to students on all levels and participants without an academic background who want to deepen their knowledge in circular economy and sustainable material choices.
Vatten är den i särklass vanligaste miljön på jorden och vad som sker i haven påverkar allt liv på jorden. Även om människan inte bor i eller på vatten så nyttjar vi många ekosystemtjänster från vatten som matproduktion, transporter, elförsörjning och rekreation, och därmed påverkar eller förstör ekosystemen. För att kunna fortsätt nyttja resurser från hav och vatten eller utveckla nya värdekedjor krävs en omställning mot resursutnyttjande utan att riskera viktiga ekosystemtjänster. I denna kurs kommer du lära dig mer om akvatiska ekosystem och hur vi nyttjar och påverkar dem, men också hur resursutnyttjandet kan bli hållbart. Innehåll Grundläggande vattencykel & akvatisk ekologi Ekosystemtjänster från hav och vatten Livsmedelsproduktion, fiske & vattenbruk Havs och vattenplanering "Nature-based solutions", nya råvaror och tjänster Klimatförändringar och framtidens vatten och hav Kursens uppläggKursen ges som förinspelade lektioner och läses i egen takt. Kursen innehåller självrättande quiz för att du ska kunna kolla att du har uppnått inlärningsmålen. För att komma vidare i kursen, och kunna skriva ut ett kursintyg när du är färdig, måste du bli godkänd på quizzarna. Du kommer få kunskap omKursen ger grundläggande kunskaper om akvatiska ekosystem, ekosystemtjänster och hot. Kursen ger även kunskaper och färdigheter för att förstå vad som krävs och kan bidra till en blå omställning av resurser i vatten. Efter genomgången kurs kommer du kunna: redogöra för biologiska samband och olika ekosystemtjänster från akvatiska miljöer och dess betydelse för mänskliga samhällen, analysera hot och målkonflikter mellan olika nyttjanden av akvatiska resurser, förstå hur framtida diversifiering av vatten- och havsanvändning kan skapa en hållbar bioekonomi. Vem vänder sig kursen till?I första hand yrkesverksamma eller personer intresserade av att bli verksamma inom blå näringarna, som fiskare, vattenodlare, turistnäring, eller andra företagare inom den blå sektorn. men även vatten- och fiskerättsägare. Kursen är även relevant för tjänstemän i offentlig förvaltning (kommun-myndigheter) och journalister eller intresserad allmänhet.Kursen ges i huvudsak på svenska.
This course has an English version. Look for course with title "Why choose wood for the next high rise building?" KursbeskrivningOlika typer av biomaterial (t.ex. trä) är mycket viktiga i utmaningen att avkarbonisera byggmiljön och minska koldioxidavtrycket för byggnader och infrastruktur genom att ersätta material som stål och cement som har höga koldioxidutsläpp. Samtidigt får vi inte glömma bort att biologisk mångfald, natur och sociala värden i våra skogar är viktigt att behålla samtidigt som skogsbruk bedrivs. I kursens 13 moduler tas skogsbrukets kretslopp upp inklusive avverkningsmetoder, biologisk mångfald, skogsskötsel, logistik, skogens roll i klimatomställningen, kolinlagring, miljöfördelar med att bygga flervåningshus i trä mm. Syftet är att ni som deltar i kursen ska få en gemensam förståelse av det svenska skogsbruket för att ni sen ska kunna fatta välgrundade beslut om materialval vid nästa byggprojekt. KursperiodKursen kommer att vara aktiv under 3 år. InnehållSkogshistoria: Skogens nyttjande i Sverige genom historienSkogsbruksmetoder och skogsskötselSkogsföryngringVirkets egenskaperMätning av skog och virkeSkogsträdsförädling: nutid och framtidSkogens kolbalans och klimatetAffärsmodeller och marknadsutveckling: Fokus flervåningshus med trästommarNaturvård och biologisk mångfald i skogen Kursens uppläggKursen är helt digital med förinspelade föreläsningar. Du kan delta i kursen i din egen takt. Modulerna avslutas med quiz där du kan testa hur mycket du har lärt dig. Du kommer få kunskap omEfter avslutad kurs kommer du att ha lärt dig mer om olika skogliga begrepp, förvärvat kunskap om skogens nyttjande i Sverige genom historien, ökat dina kunskaper om skogsskötsel och hur olika skogsskötselmetoder påverkar den biologiska mångfalden i skogen, lärt dig om skogsbrukets kretslopp – från föryngring till slutavverkning mm. Vem vänder sig kursen till?Den här kursen är tänkt för dig som är yrkesverksam arkiktekt, anställd på kommun som arbetar med stadsplanering och byggande, verksam i bygg- och anläggningsbranschen samt verksam i andra relaterade yrken. Detta är en introduktionskurs och kommer att bidra till en kompetenshöjning i hela byggsektorns ekosystem vilket ökar branschens internationella konkurrenskraft, samtidigt som det ger viktiga förutsättningar för utvecklingen av framtidens hållbara, vackra och inkluderande städer. Eftersom kursen är öppen för alla hoppas vi att fler grupper, exempelvis studenter, doktorander, skogsägare och andra med skogsintresse tar kursen, tar del av inspirerande föreläsningar där vetenskaplig kunskap som producerats huvudsakligen inom SLU presenteras.För mer information kontakta kurskoordinator dimitris.athanassiadis@slu.se