Public acceptance of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen refuelling stations in Spain

Green hydrogen plays a fundamental role in the transition of energy systems to a low-carbon future. In Spain's climate and energy strategy, hydrogen is considered an essential part of the solution to the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Public acceptance can become a limiting factor for effective implementation of this technology. This study analyses the influence of several psychosocial variables on the acceptance of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen fuelling stations in Spain. A representative sample of 1000 participants from the population living in Spain completed an online survey. Multivariate linear regressions for general (G) and local (L) acceptance show that trust in hydrogen (β G = 0.52, β L = 0.11), benefits perception (β G = 0.23, β L = 0.15), subjective knowledge (β G = −0.05, β L = 0.12) and positive (β G = 0.11, β L = 0.36) and negative (β G = −0.06, β L = −0.12) affect are significant predictors in both types of acceptance, but environmental attitudes (β G = 0.13), objective knowledge (β G = 0.04) and age (β G = 0.06) are only significant when considering general acceptance. Moreover, local acceptance is slightly lower than general acceptance, highlighting the need for effective communication and participation in the successful deployment of hydrogen installations. Highlights • Predictors of general and local acceptance of hydrogen were investigated. • Data was collected from an online survey of 1000 participants in Spain. • Slightly higher general than local acceptance of hydrogen refuelling stations was found. • Trust, perceived benefits, and affect played a key role in explaining technology acceptance. • Targeted strategies for policymakers and industry can boost hydrogen acceptance.