The Hydrogen Economy Needs People. The Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster Is Starting with Primary S
There is no shortage of new technologies. The much more difficult question is who will be working with them in ten or fifteen years’ time. According to the Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster, education is therefore an essential part of ensuring that the hydrogen economy can function. The cluster is consequently preparing a strategic framework for the education system, including a range of specific measures.
Even before the framework is approved and put into practice, however, the first concrete projects are already taking shape. These include Hydrogen Cars in Schools and Hydrogen Hero, which introduce primary school pupils to the topic of hydrogen.
Who Will Operate the New Technologies?
The Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster has established a working group on Education in Hydrogen Technologies, bringing together schools, companies, public authorities and other institutions. Its aim is to develop a strategic framework for education in this field.
The cluster recognises that industry will need not only narrowly focused ‘hydrogen specialists’, but also technically versatile people with knowledge of electrical engineering, energy, chemistry, safety and technical documentation.
It is also important to consider when to start engaging with future technicians. By Year 9, many pupils already have at least a general idea of what they want to study next. Attention is therefore turning to younger pupils at lower secondary level.
Centres of Excellence are also intended to be one of the key measures within the strategic framework currently being prepared. Alongside this longer-term approach, however, specific projects are already being developed that allow schools to gain hands-on experience with hydrogen technologies.
Hydrogen Cars are Heading to Eleven Schools
In the 2026/2027 school year, the Hydrogen Cars in Schools pilot project, organised by the Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster and the Science and Technology Centre, will be launched. Eleven primary schools from different parts of the region will take part. Each will receive an educational kit containing six hydrogen-powered model cars.
The schools will work with the models according to their individual circumstances. In some schools, they will become part of regular lessons, while in others they will be used in technical or science clubs. Pupils will experiment, explore different technical solutions and, at the end of the project, put their models to the test in a joint regional competition.
A Model Car as a Mini Laboratory
The project builds on the experience of the international Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) educational programme, in which students work with model cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells and then put their designs to the test in races.
TATRA TRUCKS and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech are participating in the project as financial partners. Pupils will meet representatives from both companies during the regional round of the competition, and those interested will also have the opportunity to visit the companies’ facilities towards the end of the school year.
The project will also include ‘technical speed dating’, giving children the opportunity to meet other industry professionals, including experts from the cluster’s member companies. They will be able to ask them about different professions, the practical applications of hydrogen and the options available for their future career paths.
Science and Technology Centre: Technology Needs to be Experienced
The Science and Technology Centre in Dolní Vítkovice is a co-creator of the project and is also providing the educational kits that the schools will work with.
One of the first activities that all participating schools will take part in will be the Hydrogen – Phenomenon of the Future programme. The cost of participation will be covered by the Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster. During the programme, pupils will learn about hydrogen and its applications and take part in practical experiments.
The cluster will also prepare educational materials for schools, providing teachers with resources on hydrogen and zero-emission technologies to support their work with the models.
Hydrogen Hero Through Children’s Eyes
The Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster has also invited primary schools to take part in an art competition to design a hydrogen mascot for the Moravian-Silesian Region. Thirteen primary schools and more than 180 children entered the competition.
Their task was not simply to create a picture. They also prepared accompanying text for their mascot, including its story, a description and, for example, its superpowers.
The winners will be announced on 1 October. In addition to first, second and third place, other selected designs will also receive awards. The children’s entries will be displayed at the event, and conference visitors will be able to vote for an additional prize.
Hydrogen Cars in Schools and Hydrogen Hero are therefore the first concrete steps in a broader effort to develop a skilled workforce for hydrogen technologies in the region.
First Launch on 1 October
The symbolic launch of the project will take place at H2 Forum 2026 at DK Poklad in Ostrava.
From there, the hydrogen cars will head directly to the schools. The project will thus become one of the first concrete steps in a broader effort to develop a skilled workforce for hydrogen technologies in the region.