What is Stored, Why, and How? Mental Models, Knowledge, and Public Acceptance of Hydrogen Storage

Although electricity storage plays a decisive role for the German “Energiewende,” and it has become evident that the successful diffusion of technologies is not only a question of technical feasibility but also of social acceptance, research on electricity storage technologies from a social science point of view is still scarce. This study, therefore, empirically explores laypersons’ mindsets and knowledge related to storage technologies, focusing on hydrogen. While the results indicate overall supportive attitudes and trust in hydrogen storage, some misconceptions, a lack of information as well as concerns were identified which should be addressed in future communication concepts.