Energy Rebels? How Households’ Preferences for Decentralized Hydrogen Systems Misalign with Energy System Requirements

Abstract

Using findings from a survey of 350 participants, we answer the question to what extent the trends towards more digitalisation and environmental awareness could create a market for decentralized hydrogen applications. The results show that while energy experts are sceptical towards the benefit of decentralized hydrogen applications and its high costs, households show a great interest in the hydrogen technology. The majority of the sample states that they are definitely or likely willing to invest in a hydrogen application. Innovative households even state a willingness to pay more (Ø 24% more). Keywords—hydrogen, decentralized energy supply, self-consumption, household survey