Awareness, acceptability and attitudes towards hydrogen vehicles and filling stations: A Greater Stavanger case study and comparisons with London

This article investigates the determinants of knowledge and acceptability of hydrogen vehicles and filling stations among residents in the Greater Stavanger area on the west coast of Norway and compares the results with the findings from a London case study. The data were collected from 1000 residents and based on the survey developed and used by O'Garra, et al. IntJ Hydrogen Energy 2005; 30: 649-659. The results indicate that hydrogen as a fuel for transport is better known in Greater Stavanger and also that the population is clearly more favourable towards the introduction of hydrogen vehicles. Although only just over one third are clearly in favour of the introduction of hydrogen vehicles in London, the number in Greater Stavanger is close to 60%. The key determinants of acceptability discussed are prior knowledge and awareness of hydrogen, sociodemographic background variables and environmental knowledge. In addition, the study also explores the effects of proximity to the filling station. The site for the location of the London filling station was a matter of public controversy and met with resistance from people living close to the filling station. Based on these experiences, the Greater Stavanger sample was divided into two. One sample was drawn from residents living within a 1-km circle of the location of the filling station, and one control sample was drawn from the Greater Stavanger area. Somewhat surprisingly, the support for the introduction of hydrogen vehicles is greater among people living closer to the filling station than in the region as such. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.