Green-green-dilemma in the German North Sea region: A Q-methodology study of the acceptance of offshore power-to-X technologies

Green hydrogen and other power-to-X-products (PtX) have gained significance worldwide in the context of transitioning to a low-carbon society. The offshore production of such products is considered to have major potential. While major financial investments advance the technological development, questions relating to social acceptance receive scant attention. From comparable technological innovations it is known that a lack of acceptance among actors may hinder their implementation. Using the German North Sea coast as a case study, we seek to understand the aspects shaping acceptance of offshore PtX-technology among different actor groups e.g. from fisheries, nature conservation, or tourism. We conducted interviews applying Q-methodology, where interview partners were asked to sort pre-formulated statements addressing different acceptance factors indicating their degree of agreement. Results show that none of the interview partners question the need for PtX and the potential of offshore wind energy. However, we identified two groups of actors with different positions, strongly characterised by the ‘green-green’-dilemma. One group is more concerned with the environmental impacts of PtX-technology, challenging the growth paradigm, while the second group sees it as a necessity to combat climate change, and a chance for economic development in coastal regions. Our results show that the acceptance of renewable energies is less linked to the technology itself, but rather to the underlying worldviews, narratives and visions of a coastal future. Revealing and understanding these underlying values leading to polarized views, is a valuable first step for mutual understanding on a shared matter of concern.