BEYOND TECHNOLOGY: SOCIAL CHALLENGES IN THE HYDROGEN TRANSITION

Hydrogen is widely seen as a promising energy carrier that can help reduce emissions and support the energy transition. However, its large-scale deployment is still constrained by technical, economic, regulatory, and social barriers. While evaluations of hydrogen technologies often focus on costs and environmental impacts, social aspects are frequently overlooked. These factors—such as public acceptance, market development, and policy support—are becoming increasingly important as hydrogen moves toward wider adoption. Research highlights key social dimensions, including accessibility, information, governance, and stakeholder engagement, and stresses that overcoming barriers requires a comprehensive understanding of socio-technical systems. Future hydrogen strategies should therefore integrate technical, economic, political, and social perspectives to ensure a successful and inclusive transition.