Fife College and SGN have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of their pioneering work to develop the UK's first hydrogen training course for Gas Safe engineers, helping prepare the workforce for the energy transition.
The partnership has been named a finalist in the Energy Transition Initiative of the Year: Projects & Systems category at the edie Energy & Tech Awards 2026.
The initiative established the UK's first dedicated hydrogen training and assessment centre, based at the College’s Levenmouth Campus, for Gas Safe registered engineers. The programme provides an accredited hydrogen qualification and practical training using live hydrogen systems, equipping engineers with the skills needed to safely install, commission and maintain hydrogen heating technologies.
The project was developed through collaboration between Fife College, SGN, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Scottish Government the Health and Safety Executive, Gas Safe Register, certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills, the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and leading manufacturers. Working together, the partners created a recognised training pathway at a time when hydrogen standards and regulatory requirements were still emerging.
Around 100 engineers, managers and technical specialists have already completed the programme, creating the workforce capability needed to support H100 Fife – the UK's first domestic green hydrogen network – while establishing a scalable model for future hydrogen projects across the country. The initiative is also helping strengthen Fife's reputation as a centre for clean energy innovation and supporting the development of future green skills.
Sarah-Jane Linton, Vice Principal at Fife College, said:
“We are delighted that our work with SGN has been recognised through this national award shortlisting. It reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to developing the specialist skills needed to support the UK's transition to net zero.
“Through the UK's first dedicated hydrogen training and assessment centre at our Levenmouth Campus, we have already equipped around 100 engineers with the knowledge and practical experience needed to work safely with hydrogen technologies.
“This recognition reinforces Fife College's commitment to working alongside industry to create innovative skills solutions that benefit learners, employers and communities, while helping position Fife at the forefront of clean energy innovation.”
Antony Green, Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer at SGN, said:
“We're proud to have worked with Fife College and our partners to deliver a first-of-its-kind facility that is supporting skills development and innovation.
“This shortlisting is recognition of what can be achieved when industry, education and government work collaboratively behind a shared goal.
“The energy transition is creating new challenges and opportunities for the workforce, and initiatives like this are helping ensure engineers have access to the training, knowledge and practical experience needed to adapt as technologies evolve.”
The winners of the edie Energy & Sustainability Leadership Awards 2026 will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday 16 October.