Trends and determinates of hydrogen energy acceptance, or adoption research: A review of two decades of research

Abstract

A promising technological solution to the pressing problem of decarbonizing the global energy system is clean hydrogen. Therefore, understanding how the public feel about hydrogen is essential to its success, just like with any new technology. This paper offers the findings of a bibliometric and systematic review that examined the literature on the variables affecting the acceptance of hydrogen energy. A total of 108 documents published from 2003 to 2023 were used for the bibliometric analysis using the Biblioshiny software in the R package. The study shows a steady growth in hydrogen energy acceptance research, with 350 authors and a 12.96% international co-authorship rate. The literature on hydrogen acceptance reveals that limited public awareness, perceived usefulness, safety, cost, and health benefits influence one’s acceptance. Acceptance of hydrogen was also found to be highly dependent on financial policies, industry support for climate protection, government confidence, and efficient communication and engagement. Japan, Germany, and China dominate hydrogen energy research globally, while some European countries also contribute significantly. However, regional acceptance gaps exist in Africa and South America.