A representative German survey experiment exploring the acceptability of green H2 storage: Significant links with socio-psychological predictors and targeted information

We examined how socio-psychological predictors link to the acceptability of green hydrogen energy storage systems (H2ESS) in residential areas and whether targeted information can increase acceptability. A representative German sample (N = 1004) completed an experimental online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that participants with higher subjective and objective knowledge, as well as greater environmental consciousness, were more accepting. In contrast, participants who experienced stronger feelings of social disconnection (social relatedness frustration) were less accepting. Other indicators of basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration, namely autonomy satisfaction, autonomy frustration and social relatedness satisfaction, did not link to acceptability. Participants were also randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions or a baseline condition (receiving no information): The experimental conditions consisted of brief text-based interventions on H2ESS focusing on (1) general information about the functionality and potential applications of H2ESS, (2) additional information on environmental benefits, or (3) additional information on participation opportunities in the diffusion process of H2ESS. Participants who received environmental benefits information reported the highest acceptability, followed by those exposed to participation opportunities information, and to a lesser extent those receiving general information, compared to the baseline condition. In open-ended responses, participants most frequently cited environmental sustainability as a reason for support, whereas lack of knowledge and uncertainty were commonly mentioned as reasons for opposition.