INSPIRE: IIW International Conference - Hydrogen Applications and Energy Transition

On 25 June 2025, the INSPIRE project was proudly presented by Georgia Kolyva, representing the Welding Greek Institute (WGI), at the 78th Annual Assembly and International Conference of the International Institute of Welding (IIW), held in Genoa, Italy.

The presentation took place within Commission XI – Pressure Vessels, Boilers and Pipelines, during a session dedicated to hydrogen-related research.

The talk, entitled “Advancing Welding Instruction for Hydrogen Pipelines: A Needs Analysis Validation Approach”, highlighted the urgent need to modernise welding inspection training in response to the evolving demands of hydrogen infrastructure. The keynote presentation entitled: "Advancing Welding Instruction for Hydrogen Pipelines:
🔹"A Needs Analysis Validation Approach" was delivered by Georgia Kolyva, CEO of the WELDING GREEK INSTITUTE – WGI, a key partner in the INSPIRE project, and she also presented how INSPIRE will modularise the European Welding Inspector qualification, integrating hydrogen-specific competencies aligned with new industrial demands.
🔹The session fostered discussion among international experts on quality assurance and inspection in H₂ systems.
🔹It also served as a platform to comunicate AR-based training tools being developed within the project to strengthen digital transformation in VET.
🔹The presentation showcased the main outcomes of Work Package 2, focusing on the validation of the needs analysis that supports the modernisation of the European Welding Inspector (EWI) qualification for hydrogen (H₂) pipelines. The analysis identified the evolving skills required in the sector and assessed the potential of digital and AR-based training to meet these demands.

This international dissemination action contributes to the project’s strategic goals to:
🔹Align welding inspection training with the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the needs of energy-intensive industries;
🔹Support the digital transformation of VET by integrating Augmented Reality (AR) into training delivery;
🔹Enable a modular qualification framework that responds flexibly to the fast-changing green and digital job market;
🔹Promote the upskilling of Europe’s workforce to support the deployment of safe and efficient hydrogen infrastructure.
🔹Participation in the IIW Annual Assembly provided INSPIRE with an opportunity to validate its training approach against emerging hydrogen standards, promote cross-border collaboration, and reinforce the connection between vocational training and industrial innovation.

Next Steps:
🔹Feedback gathered during the conference will be incorporated into the ongoing Competence Unit development and the upcoming activities, as the Train-the-Trainers sessions.

The event marked a significant milestone for INSPIRE, reinforcing the relevance of the project at European and international levels and paving the way for future collaborations with industry and training bodies working on hydrogen transition.

👏 Congratulations to WELDING GREEK INSTITUTE - WGI and all INSPIRE partners for this important step in preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce for Europe’s hydrogen transition.