F1IE 4420 - Understanding the Hydrogen Value Chain, from Power Point to Power Plant

Since 2020, the H2 industry has rapidly evolved into a complex global value chain, requiring efficient coordination between policymakers, project developers, investors, technology providers and communities, while marked by social demands, environmental concerns and competing interests between new players and the legacy energy sector.

The H2 industry also reflects a divide between democracies and authoritarian regimes, as building large-scale hydrogen valleys requires systemic alignment and inefficient resource allocation. Moreover, with technology now driving competitiveness, factors like cost of capital, regulation and tax regimes are becoming decisive.

This course provides an interdisciplinary framework to assess hydrogen ecosystems and engage with top-tier stakeholders

Learning Outcomes

• Hydrogen stakeholder mapping and value chain integration: understanding the fundamental players, infrastructure and technologies of a hydrogen valley/project.
• High-level project evaluation and due-diligence: from pre-feasibility to commissioning, students will be able to assess the technical, financial, regulatory and social viability of a hydrogen project.
• Regulation assessment and policy recommendations: students will be able to understand and evaluate policies around hydrogen development, such as national strategies, subsidies and tax incentives.
• Critical thinking on the pros and cons of the hydrogen industry and its value proposition.

Professional Skills

• Hydrogen project evaluation and high-level tecno-economic recommendations.
• Hydrogen policy assessment and high-level recommendations on subsidies and regulation around project development.
• Stakeholder engagement and company/project presentation: students will have to identify and engage with a group of companies active in the hydrogen value chain, assessing value proposition and preparing a high-level presentation on a hydrogen valley.
• Investment deck preparation and pitch: students will pitch their project in front of a high-level investment committee.

Students who already have a sound knowledge of the basics of energy and the energy transition.

Feedback will be provided on a regular basis.

• Group project 50%
• Class participation 25%
• Individual project 25%

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 15 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for individual and group work: 24 hours a semester.