From vision to reality: A longitudinal qualitative study on Spanish stakeholder perceptions of hydrogen energy technologies

The social perception of hydrogen is a complex and multifaceted outcome influenced by various factors, including group and social characteristics, political determinants, and historical contexts. This study analyzes the perceptions of hydrogen among key stakeholders in Spain -researchers, industry actors, government agencies, and environmental organizations-, comparing their views in 2023 with those from 2010. Through a qualitative analysis of stakeholders' interpretative repertoires and secondary sources, the study examines the evolution of these perceptions over time. It highlights how historical and social contexts influence key actors' visions, revealing tensions and shifts in their positions, particularly between public and industry actors. Additionally, the study shows how, in the Spanish context, certain barriers appear insuperable, transforming what could have been a research and development opportunity into a case of relative failure in leading a new technology. Thus, the results reveal a strong link between contextual factors and the construction of narratives about the future potential of technologies. • Qualitative analysis of stakeholder perceptions on hydrogen technologies over the last thirteen years. • Socio-economic and historical context and their relationship with stakeholder perceptions. • Barriers and drivers for the adoption of hydrogen technologies in Spain. • Changing dynamics in stakeholders' perceptions of hydrogen.