Public Perceptions of Industrial Use of Hydrogen in Teesside
Research and innovation
This project brings together key industrial partners, including Tees Green Hydrogen (a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and EDF Hynamics), Hartlepool Power Station, Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Environment Agency and Stockton Borough Council. It explores the societal and industrial implications of adopting hydrogen as a green energy source in the Tees Valley.
Challenge
Hydrogen is emerging as a promising solution to help energy-intensive industries decarbonise and meet the UK Government’s target of achieving net zero by 2040. However, there is limited understanding of how local communities perceive the production, storage and use of hydrogen for heating, power and transport. This knowledge gap presents a challenge for both policy development and industry adoption, particularly in ensuring a just and inclusive transition to a hydrogen economy.
Solution
Using social science research methods – including elite interviews, focus groups and surveys – the REHIP project investigates societal perceptions of hydrogen technologies and their implications for risk perception and local energy planning. Engagement with industry leaders and policymakers will identify opportunities and barriers to delivering a fair transition to a hydrogen-based economy across the Teesside Industrial Cluster. The research team is making use of the digital lab facilities at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) to explore community attitudes towards forthcoming industrial developments, including the construction of the Direct Air Capture facilities and the Carbon capture and Storage facility at Teesworks.
Impact
Through collaboration between researchers, industry, local businesses and communities, REHIP will generate valuable social intelligence on public attitudes towards hydrogen adoption. This evidence will inform policy recommendations aimed at ensuring the hydrogen transition benefits both local communities and the wider hydrogen supply chain. The findings will support the Research Excellence Framework by demonstrating impactful, collaborative research that addresses regional and national priorities in sustainability, energy innovation and economic development.
