The study shows that trust in the safety of (future) facilities and project management are key factors driving acceptance. Support increases when the perceived benefits of green hydrogen projects outweigh the perceived risks of the technology. Additionally, individuals who have already had experiences with (green) hydrogen tend to be more favorable towards this technology.
Citizen participation also plays an important role: while providing basic information about green hydrogen projects promotes acceptance, opportunities for consultation – such as expressing opinions and participating in decision-making – tend to have a negative impact. This suggests that the public is generally open to green hydrogen projects but prefers less active involvement in decision-making processes. At the same time, it was found that a stronger environmental consciousness can reduce acceptance of green hydrogen projects.
Regular Information and Transparency Build Trust
To increase societal support, the study recommends that policymakers and project managers regularly and transparently inform the public about green hydrogen projects. This could also enhance public knowledge about green hydrogen and its production. High safety standards in production and clear communication of the benefits of green hydrogen are particularly important to foster and maintain trust within society. Practical experiences, such as local information events and public demonstrations of hydrogen technologies, could further strengthen societal acceptance.
The research results provide valuable insights into the social conditions necessary for the expansion of green hydrogen production in Germany. They offer policymakers and industrial actors actionable recommendations to implement future green hydrogen projects with broad support, advancing the energy transition in Germany and internationally.
