Shaping transformation: Discourse analysis and systematic review of socio-psychological factors in hydrogen technology acceptance

The anticipated surge in hydrogen energy adoption underscores the pivotal role of social acceptance in determining the viability of hydrogen technologies (HTs). This review provides a comprehensive overview of acceptance research on HT, evaluating measurement tools and utilized models, identifying influencing factors, and analyzing academic discourse on HT diffusion. Drawing from 39 studies, it highlights key acceptance factors: trust, environmental attitudes, subjective knowledge, and perceived risks. Discourse analysis uncovers perceived barriers like trust deficits, infrastructural challenges, and financial constraints, while strategic considerations such as timing and transparency are identified as drivers. The findings emphasize an individual-centred perspective, heterogeneous operationalizations, and a lack of longitudinal studies. The authors propose increased downstream research, focusing on societal reactions to implemented technologies and considering both psychological and contextual factors. Adoption of multi-level and institutional perspectives is essential.