Social Perception of Green Hydrogen Production in Patagonia, Argentina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18800/kawsaypacha.202601.A009Keywords:
Green Hydrogen, Social acceptance, Energy transition., Decarbonization, Patagonia, ArgentinaAbstract
Green hydrogen emerges as a possible decarbonization solution due to its ecologically beneficial energy carrier qualities. Non-technical issues, such as social acceptance, are important to consider while developing new energy solutions. This study looks into social perspectives of green hydrogen production by water electrolysis with wind energy and its use as an energy vector in a specific region in Argentine Patagonia. An online survey was undertaken as a quantitative method, with 134 participants. The findings show that most respondents had a strong understanding of green hydrogen as a potential source of clean energy that does not emit pollutants. Social concerns about the manufacturing process were overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing projected benefits such as economic development, job creation, improved awareness of renewable energies, and energy independence. This latter characteristic is consistent with the majority preference for using produced energy to meet local demand, regardless of export potential. Overall, the findings indicate a growing knowledge of sustainable development challenges and a preference for ecologically friendly energy transitions in the local context.
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