Article by Institute for Methods Innovation
As the EU accelerates its transition to sustainable energy, the first free, online public engagement workshop held by the European project HYPOP (HYdrogen Public Opinion and accePtance), at the end of last year, ignited vibrant discussions and showcased widespread optimism among the close to 30 participants regarding hydrogen’s pivotal role in this transformation.
The workshop, titled “Hydrogen technologies: Exploring facts, myths and future perspectives”, focused on exploring hydrogen’s role in Europe, and more specifically in Ireland as a first national focus. Participants were guided through a basic technical understanding of hydrogen energy technologies, an evaluation of critical issues and doubts, as well as Ireland’s national hydrogen strategy and major planned hydrogen projects like Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint. Through interactive co-creation using virtual whiteboarding and real-time polling in breakout groups, participants were also given the opportunity to share ideas and opinions.
The diverse pool of participants included students, professors, engineers, social media managers, and the Director of hydrogen policies and strategies in the Irish Ministry of Energy and Minerals. Some of the participants were already knowledgeable about hydrogen energies, other renewables, and the various strengths and limitations of each, which allowed for frank, dynamic discussions. Some of the concerns raised by participants included:
- Cost delays: There is a perception that progress is stalled by waiting for cost reductions (since producing, transporting and storing hydrogen energy is still quite expensive).
- Transportation: There are questions about how to transport hydrogen efficiently and sustainably.
- Efficiency: There are concerns about energy loss during hydrogen production and usage.
- Safety risks: Hydrogen’s flammability and a perception of it being dangerous still persists.
- Infrastructure gaps: There is a lack of refueling stations and pipelines.
- Public education: There is a need for government involvement to improve public understanding.
- Regulatory challenges: Inadequate permitting procedures and a lack of regulation was cited as problematic.
Participants also had a chance to express their hopes for hydrogen energy in Europe, such as:
- Using hydrogen to make the energy grid more diversified and efficient, and to help store excess renewable energy.
- Leveraging AI and research to increase hydrogen energy production efficiency and to lower costs.
- Hydrogen as a viable solution for decarbonizing logistics (specifically heavy freight).
- Job creation opportunities at regional levels thanks to new hydrogen infrastructure and facilities.
- Hydrogen contributing to Ireland’s energy independence from fossil fuels.
Participants were open about the fact that in many cases electricity (and batteries) from renewable sources like wind or solar power make more sense than hydrogen, but that hydrogen is well-suited to niche cases like heavy transport (buses, trains and trucks, where batteries would become too heavy), home heating and aviation. Thinking of hydrogen as the ‘Champagne of energy’ was seen as a most useful analogy – not for everyday, but perfect for special occasions. Key themes and insights that emerged from the discussions include:
- Ireland is invested in hydrogen energy through projects like Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint and the Galway Hydrogen Hub, promising potential applications in energy storage, public and heavy transport, and aviation.
- There is a critical need for public engagement and education to address misconceptions about hydrogen’s safety and environmental impact. Awareness campaigns should focus on hydrogen’s role in decarbonization and energy security.
- There is a need to expand robust refueling and storage infrastructure and to develop the recycling of critical raw materials.
- The integration of AI to enhance production efficiency, and exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles and energy systems for isolated regions provide innovation opportunities.
Visit our website for news about upcoming HYPOP workshops, and register to participate in shaping the future of hydrogen energy across Europe.
The HYPOP Project
HYPOP – Hydrogen Public Opinion and Acceptance , is a project funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership within the Horizon Europe programme. The main objective of HYPOP is to strengthen public opinion and awareness towards hydrogen technologies and its systemic benefits.
Find out more and follow us on our channels: www.hypop-project.eu/
