Operation, Maintenance, Commissioning, Control, & Shutdown of PEM Electrolysers – Engineering Reliable and Efficient Hydrogen Production Systems

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the full system architecture of PEM electrolysers, including stack design and balance of plant integration.
• Interpret key electrochemical behaviours and performance indicators influencing efficiency and degradation.
• Control critical operating parameters to maintain safe, stable, and optimised hydrogen production.
• Apply structured commissioning processes from pre-commissioning through to performance acceptance testing.
• Execute startup, normal operation, and load-following strategies under variable renewable energy conditions.
• Analyse automation and control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS) to ensure effective process control and plant safety.
• Evaluate hydrogen and oxygen handling systems to maintain product quality and operational safety.
• Develop maintenance strategies incorporating preventive and predictive techniques to enhance system reliability.
• Diagnose operational faults using data-driven troubleshooting and root cause analysis methods.
• Implement safe shutdown and preservation procedures while considering future operational trends and digital technologies.

This course has been designed for professionals working in the energy sector looking to further develop their careers to keep up to date on emerging technologies.

• Process Engineers (Hydrogen / Chemical / Energy) responsible for designing and optimising process systems for hydrogen production.
• Operations Engineers / Plant Operators operating electrolyser systems during startup, steady-state, and shutdown.
• Maintenance Engineers / Reliability Engineers maintaining plant equipment, stacks, and balance of plant systems.
• Commissioning Engineers executing pre-commissioning, commissioning, and system validation activities.
• Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineers working on control loops, sensors, and automation systems.
• Control and Automation Engineers developing and managing PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems.
• Hydrogen Project Engineers / Project Managers coordinating engineering, procurement, and commissioning activities.
• Technology Developers Analysing performance, degradation, and new material technologies.
• HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Professionals managing hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency response planning.
• Energy Transition / Sustainability Professionals setting up on hydrogen strategies, decarbonisation initiatives, and renewable integration.

• Intermediate
• Advanced

This course will provide comprehensive learning resources, including course materials for future reference. Each topic will commence with a clearly defined intended learning outcome (LO). The learning experience will be enriched through diverse activities such as quizzes, videos, and assessments, ensuring engagement and understanding. In addition to the core material, participants will have access to additional resources like articles, case studies, and tools. The course structure incorporates interactive elements, such as group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, enhancing hands-on learning experiences. Q&A sessions will provide opportunities for clarifications and deeper understanding.

Your Expert Course Leader is a highly specialised Hydrogen Engineer and electrolysis expert with over six years of hands-on experience in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology, covering the full lifecycle from design and development to commissioning and operation. He has built his expertise through his work with ITM Power, one of the world’s leading PEM electrolyser manufacturers, where he played a key role in delivering large-scale hydrogen projects and advancing operational excellence in electrolysis systems. During his tenure at ITM Power, he led and supported several landmark projects, including the successful delivery of a 1 MW PEM electrolyser in Azerbaijan, one of the largest installations of its kind at the time, and the 0.7 MW Power-to-Gas project at Keele University, completed in record time. These projects provided him with deep expertise in commissioning, system integration, troubleshooting, and performance optimisation of MW-scale hydrogen plants.

He is currently focusing on developing ultra-reliable PEM electrolysers, with future ambitions to scale up hydrogen production systems for renewable energy projects. He also founded Hydrogen Training Solutions, where he delivers advanced technical training to engineers and organisations worldwide, helping bridge the skills gap in the fast-growing hydrogen economy. Recognised for his practical and engaging training style, he has trained professionals across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, equipping them with real-world knowledge in electrolyser operation, maintenance, and system performance. His industry experience and technical excellence, position him as an expert in electrolysis.

After completing his engineering education, to give back to his alma mater, he has contributed content, material development, and industrial experience to the University of Sheffield, Brunel University London, and the AMRC. Additionally, he has conducted highly technical training on electrolysis equipment to support ITM Power, significantly reducing training time by up to 50%, improving productivity, and easing the burdens of team leaders.

Unlock the potential of your workforce with customized in-house training programs designed specifically for the energy sector. Our tailored, in-house courses not only enhance employee skills and engagement but also offer significant cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. Invest in your team’s success and achieve specific outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals through our expert training solutions. Request for further information regarding our on-site or in-house training opportunities.

In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will no longer providing hard copy training materials. Instead, all training content and resources will be delivered in digital format. Inspired by the oil and energy industry’s best practices, we are leveraging on digital technologies to reduce waste, lower our carbon emissions, ensuring our training content is always up-to-date and accessible. Click here to learn more.