The transition to a climate-neutral economy in Central Europe will not be achieved by technology and policy alone – public support is equally vital. This is the guiding principle behind the Strategy for social acceptance of hydrogen technologies, developed within the HyEfRe project. While the project focuses on technical modelling, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure planning, it also recognises that societal acceptance will determine the real pace and scale of deployment.
Drawing on surveys, stakeholder analyses, and sectoral assessments, the document highlights persistent challenges: limited public knowledge of hydrogen, misconceptions around safety and costs, uneven awareness between urban and rural areas, and a lack of transparent communication from institutions. The Strategy argues that without trust, inclusive dialogue, and clear local benefits, even well-designed projects may face resistance.
To counter this, the Strategy sets five core objectives:
- Increase public awareness through campaigns, media stories, and educational outreach.
- Strengthen citizen participation in decision-making, embedding structured consultation in hydrogen infrastructure projects.
- Improve cooperation between key actors, from local governments to industry and academia, via forums and working groups.
- Enhance transparency and trust by publishing impact assessments early and creating standardised feedback channels.
- Invest in education and skills, establishing hydrogen research hubs at universities and training thousands of workers for emerging jobs.
The Strategy translates these pillars into concrete measures – from promoting at least ten regional success stories by 2026, to ensuring all large-scale projects publish environmental and social assessments before consultation. It also recommends continuous monitoring of public perception, so policies can adapt to evolving expectations. Ultimately, the Strategy positions social acceptance not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for success. By embedding openness, participation, and education into hydrogen deployment, HyEfRe aims to ensure that Central Europe’s hydrogen future is not only technologically advanced, but also fair, inclusive, and trusted by its citizens.
You can read the Strategy for social acceptance of hydrogen technologies here.