Public readiness for hydrogen infrastructure in community settings: Comparative evidence on attitudinal dynamics

This study presents a cross-national investigation into the drivers and psychological mechanisms shaping public perceptions and acceptance of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure located in residential proximity. Parallel survey data from Japan, Spain, and Norway were analysed using a multigroup comparative framework. Measurement invariance was established across the three datasets, subject to minor modifications within the constructs of trust in hydrogen innovation, safe housing concern, and perceived usefulness. The conceptual models yielded generalisable findings across countries: negative emotions exerted a stronger influence on individuals' risk perceptions than positive emotions, whereas perceived usefulness had a greater impact on acceptance than perceived risk. Safe housing and environmental concerns exhibited moderating effects that amplified the influence of affective responses towards hydrogen refuelling facilities, with varying magnitudes across datasets. Furthermore, the incorporation of Hofstede's cultural dimensions provided insights into cross-country differences, revealing that individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation explain the psychological pathways through which affective states are translated into subjective evaluations of hydrogen facilities, ultimately shaping community acceptance. • Attitudinal drivers of hydrogen infrastructure acceptance • Negative affect shapes acceptance more than positive emotions. • Communicating tangible benefits effectively enhances acceptance. • Cultural dimensions explain cross-national differences.