Perceived risks, benefits, and their role in acceptance: Exploring two hydrogen applications in an empirical mixed-methods approach

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 272, pp. 157317

Abstract

This study explores perceptions and acceptance of two hydrogen applications that hold potential to reduce CO 2 emissions: hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCBs) and hydrogen utilization in the steel industry (HSI). An empirical mixed methods approach is applied, using qualitative interviews ( n = 12) to identify perceived risks and benefits and a quantitative survey among the public ( n = 228) to further explore these perceptions and their influence on acceptance. Both studies were conducted in Germany. For both hydrogen applications, the public shows low risk perceptions and high benefit perceptions and acceptance. Acceptance is influenced by affective and cognitive risk perceptions, and in some cases by domain-specific risk and benefit perceptions. However, these drivers differ by acceptance type (sociopolitical vs. local) and by application (HFCBs vs. HSI). The findings highlight the importance of investigating different sustainable technologies individually and provide indications for targeted (risk) communication about hydrogen applications.

Authors 2

1. Eva Rössler corresponding Aachen Risk Perception and Communication Teaching and Research Unit

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Risk Perception and Communication Teaching and Research Unit, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany

2. Katrin Arning Aachen Risk Perception and Communication Teaching and Research Unit

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Risk Perception and Communication Teaching and Research Unit, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany