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Unfamiliar fuel: How the UK public views the infrastructure required to supply hydrogen for road transport

Bellaby, Paul; Upham, Paul; Flynn, Rob; Ricci, Miriam

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Authors

Paul Bellaby

Paul Upham

Rob Flynn



Abstract

Copyright © 2016, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. In 2007, under contract to the UK Department for Transport, we engaged with the public about the infrastructure to supply hydrogen for transport. We combined a quota-sample survey of 1003 across three disparate 'travel-to-work areas' in England with focus groups representative of them. We informed the groups 'at arm's length' through a purpose-made video, composed with advice from a hydrogen scientist and made by professional broadcasters. Participants saw benefits in hydrogen energy. None rejected it on safety grounds, though many discussed the risks. The costs were considered a problem. 'The public' was not of one mind. Regular car drivers were unwilling to reduce their car use. Bus users, cyclists and walkers often sought improvements in air quality. Motorists knew more than others about hydrogen energy. In discussion we seek psychological and socio-cultural explanations for these results. We conclude by drawing out implications for the future of hydrogen in transport.

Citation

Bellaby, P., Upham, P., Flynn, R., & Ricci, M. (2016). Unfamiliar fuel: How the UK public views the infrastructure required to supply hydrogen for road transport. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 41(15), 6534-6543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.03.024

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 3, 2016
Publication Date Apr 27, 2016
Deposit Date Apr 11, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Print ISSN 0360-3199
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 41
Issue 15
Pages 6534-6543
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.03.024
Keywords hydrogen-in-transport infrastructure, public engagement, contrasting travel-to-work-areas, psycho-social explanations
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/916846
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.03.024

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