Common but differentiated? Policymakers’ priorities of social acceptance for expanding hydrogen refueling stations in Japan and Korea

Abstract

Improving social acceptance of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) involves prioritizing several key factors. Specifically, developing a robust infrastructure of HRSs is critical for implementing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). However, the expansion of HRSs is primarily restricted by the social acceptance of hydrogen-based technologies. Therefore, here, we assessed the perceptions of policymakers regarding the social acceptance of HRSs in Japan and South Korea, where policymakers recognize the vitality of acceptance among residents for advancing FCEV adoption and the importance of market acceptance and sociopolitical acceptance. Japanese experts contend that corporate-level financial feasibility is crucial for achieving social acceptance, whereas South Korean experts prioritize benefit sharing for gaining individual-level acceptance. These insights highlight both common and differentiated factors related to the social acceptance of FCEVs, thereby informing policies on alternative fuel sources to facilitate the broader adoption of HRSs not only in Japan and Korea but also worldwide.