Identification of public acceptance factors with risk perception scales on hydrogen fueling stations in Japan

This is the first work to describe the characteristics of public acceptance of hydrogen stations (H2 station) in Japan using risk perception scales. We conducted an online survey asking respondents to rate their acceptance of having an H2 station constructed in the gas station nearest their home. Sixty-six percent of respondents indicated a high rate of acceptance, with males tending to be more accepting than females, irrespective of age. We found the following to be explanatory factors for acceptance: gender, degree, vehicle use, knowledge about hydrogen, risk perception of H2 station, and inherent risk acceptance and avoidance. Binominal regression analysis was used to construct an acceptance model, and the risk perception factor “Dread” was dominant among the effective independent variables. This suggests that alleviating inherent dread or fear by providing precise risk information will lead to better acceptance. Our study contributes to improved risk communication on H2 station construction.