Green Hydrogen Transitions: Production Pathways, Deployment Barriers and Social Acceptance

Hydrogen is increasingly regarded as a key component of decarbonisation strategies and a promising pathway towards climate neutrality. In particular, green hydrogen produced through renewable processes is widely considered a strategic solution for supporting the transition towards sustainable energy systems. However, the large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies remains constrained by a variety of technical, economic, institutional, environmental, and socio-cultural challenges. This report provides an overview of the main hydrogen production pathways, with particular attention to green hydrogen technologies. It further examines the principal risks and barriers affecting hydrogen deployment, drawing on recent literature addressing geophysical, environmental, technological, economic, socio-cultural, institutional, and geopolitical dimensions. Particular attention is devoted to the role of public perception and social acceptance, which are increasingly recognised as critical determinants of hydrogen transitions. In line with this, the report reviews the main theoretical approaches used to explain technology acceptance and energy innovation adoption. The analysis highlights that the success of hydrogen transitions depends not only on technological innovation and economic competitiveness but also on the ability of institutions, industries, and policymakers to build public trust, address perceived risks, and foster socially legitimate pathways for implementation. Hydrogen deployment therefore emerges as a complex socio-technical process requiring the alignment of technological, economic, governance, and societal dimensions.