The Polish Hydrogen Technology Conference PCHET is one of the key events in Poland dedicated to the development of hydrogen technologies and their role in the energy transition. This year’s edition, which took place on 29 September 2026 at the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, brought together representatives from business, industry, academia, government and the energy sector. The programme included presentations, panel discussions and debates on, amongst other things, technological development, implementation and the training of personnel for the energy transition.
The event was organised by the Pomeranian Regional Chamber of Commerce. During the opening ceremony, participants were welcomed by Emil Rojek, Deputy Governor of Pomerania; Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship; and Tomasz Augustyniak, Deputy Mayor of Gdynia.
Following the opening ceremony, there was an opening lecture and a panel discussion on energy security, the energy transition and competitiveness, followed by discussions on workforce training, cooperation between local government, the education sector and business, and experiences relating to the development of hydrogen valleys. Conference participants also discussed Pomerania’s potential, infrastructure and opportunities for implementing new solutions; they were introduced to the objectives of the European HYPERION initiative; and the conference concluded with a panel discussion on specific projects, investment financing, securing customers and the risks associated with their implementation.
Dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, Professor at the University of Gdańsk and Director of the University’s Centre for Sustainable Development, took part in the educational panel organised as part of the H2Excellence project, entitled ‘Vocational training and education for the hydrogen economy – local needs, European standards, international cooperation’. The panel also featured Dr Sławomir Ostrowski, Eng., a research and teaching staff member at Gdańsk University of Technology and Chair of the Pomeranian Provincial Labour Market Council, Damian Orzeł, Head of the Regional Vocational Education Unit at the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship; Karolina Majewska, MSc Eng, a PhD student at the Warsaw University of Technology; and Bartłomiej Lemieszek, MSc Eng, a research and teaching assistant at Gdańsk University of Technology.
The discussion centred on the role of vocational education and higher education in preparing the workforce for a growing economy, with particular emphasis on new skills, qualifications and educational programmes. The participants highlighted both the needs of Pomerania and European experiences relating to the H2Excellence project, including cooperation between schools, universities, public administration and industry.