Social Acceptance Assessment

Risks and Opportunities in Hydrogen Technologies​

Environmental and Technical Risks

Infrastructure and Safety

Public Perception and Ethics

Economic and Strategic Factors

Identifying Key Concerns

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with hydrogen technologies, we conducted a two-phase risk assessment:

Phase 1: Consortium Risk Assessment 
Our consortium members identified both perceived and actual risks and rated them on a scale from 1 to 5, based on importance and relevance.

Phase 2: Social Acceptance Assessment
To broaden our perspective, we engaged external organizations, including the Green 10 and key industry stakeholders, to gather their views on the most critical risks. This helped us assess public perception and social acceptance of hydrogen technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

While hydrogen technologies hold great potential, some risks are widely perceived as barriers to adoption. Our assessment identified several key concerns, rated as highly significant (3 or higher) by both consortium members and external experts in the social acceptance assessment.

Below, you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions about these high-significance risks, along with expert insights and validations from leading environmental and energy organisations.

What are the risks associated with impurities in biogas, and how do they impact safety and equipment performance?

Impurities like H2S and NH3 in biogas pose multiple risks, including equipment corrosion, catalyst poisoning, and air quality deterioration. These substances can accelerate wear and tear in industrial systems, increasing maintenance costs and potential downtime. If not properly filtered, they may also lead to health hazards for workers exposed to the biogas stream. Advanced purification technologies and strict monitoring protocols are necessary to ensure a safe and efficient hydrogen production process. Proper disposal or treatment of contaminants is also crucial for environmental safety.

What are the environmental concerns of using fossil natural gas for hydrogen production, and how can they be mitigated?
An increased reliance on fossil natural gas for hydrogen production could slow the adoption of more sustainable alternatives like biogas. While natural gas is currently a major feedstock for hydrogen, its use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and economic dependencies on fossil fuel markets. Shifting towards renewable feedstocks such as biogas or electrolysis with renewable energy could improve sustainability. Experts suggest that improving biogas purification and conversion efficiency could help reduce reliance on fossil-based hydrogen. Policy incentives and carbon pricing mechanisms can also accelerate the transition to greener alternatives.
What happens if there are disruptions in the supply of biogas or natural gas, and how can we prepare for them?
Supply disruptions of biogas or natural gas due to climate events or geopolitical tensions pose a major risk to hydrogen production stability. Ensuring a reliable and diversified feedstock supply is critical for maintaining continuous operations. One potential solution is large-scale storage of biogas in purified forms like biomethane, allowing for buffering during periods of low production. Developing multiple supply sources across regions and investing in alternative feedstocks can also enhance resilience. Risk mitigation strategies should include long-term agreements and technological advancements in biogas production.
Why is hydrogen transport infrastructure important, and what are the best ways to develop it?
Developing a robust hydrogen transport infrastructure is essential for scaling up hydrogen applications across industries. Experts suggest that both dedicated hydrogen pipelines and upgraded natural gas infrastructure could play a role in distribution. Some believe that on-site hydrogen production at industrial facilities can eliminate transportation needs and reduce costs. A coordinated European strategy is needed to ensure cross-border connectivity and integration with renewable hydrogen projects. Future infrastructure development must align with energy transition goals.
Is hydrogen highly flammable, and what safety measures should be in place to prevent accidents?
Hydrogen’s flammability is a well-known challenge, but existing safety standards are effective at managing risks. Safe storage and transport of hydrogen require leak-proof containment systems and proper ventilation. Experts highlight that hydrogen behaves differently than conventional fuels, requiring specific handling procedures. Industry regulations already cover best practices for hydrogen safety, and continued improvements will further reduce risks. Public awareness and trust in safety measures will be essential for large-scale hydrogen adoption.