Hydrogen Initiative is a cross-campus effort of the Precourt Institute for Energy.

Hydrogen Initiative

Hydrogen Courses

Hydrogen Economy Seminar - Energy 205 (1-unit course)

This is a seminar course on the hydrogen economy as a critical piece of the global energy transformation. This course will introduce the unique characteristics of hydrogen, its potential role in decarbonizing the global energy system, and how it compares to other alternative and complementary solutions. We will cover the main ideas/themes of how hydrogen is made, transported and stored, and used around the world through a series of lectures and guest speakers.

Terms: Winter | Units: 1 | Tuesday 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Instructors: Boness, N. (PI) ; Chen, J. (PI) ; Zheng, X. (PI)

Questions? Please contact Noura Khaled (nkhaled@stanford.edu). For class materials and video recordings, please log in with your SUNet credentials. Details for the Winter 2026 class will be shared soon and will follow the format used for Winter 2025.

Winter 2025 H2 Class

Foundations of the Hydrogen Economy - XEIET170 

Hydrogen is reshaping the global energy landscape, providing innovative solutions to decarbonize critical industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and energy storage. This course is for all levels of business professionals (managers, owners, founders), engineers, and for people who want to make the world a better place. No engineering or energy background required!

As businesses and governments ramp up investments in hydrogen infrastructure to achieve net-zero and greenhouse gas reduction targets, understanding this transformative energy source is essential.

This course delivers a comprehensive overview of the hydrogen economy, equipping you with the knowledge to assess its potential and challenges.

Designed for professionals, this course provides the tools to identify strategic opportunities, mitigate risks, and lead in the growing green economy. Whether you are looking to advance your career, support your organization’s sustainability goals, or drive innovation in your sector, this course prepares you to make informed decisions and contribute confidently to a sustainable future.

  • Analyze opportunities in key technology pathways for low-carbon hydrogen production and storage.
  • Evaluate the techno-economics and cost considerations associated with hydrogen.
  • Examine the tradeoffs among cost, emissions, and technical maturity.
  • Understand the complexities of creating large-scale systems for hydrogen distribution and storage.
  • Assess the environmental impact and total emissions of hydrogen production and use throughout its lifecycle.
  • Identify how advancements in digital technologies, AI, and data analytics drive innovative solutions for solutions for the low-carbon hydrogen economy.