Clean Hydrogen Partnership, Awareness of hydrogen technologies : executive summary

Usage of hydrogen energy is low - just over one in ten has used it - but awareness is high at 82%. Approximately one in ten have never heard of hydrogen energy. The overall image of hydrogen is positive in terms of environmental impact compared to fossil and nuclear energy, although gasoline and diesel remain the fuels most frequently used for cars. Half of those with gasoline or diesel cars are likely to switch to a car powered by an alternative source of energy in the next two years. 73% said that their preferred choice for switching would be for a hybrid (40%) or electric battery (33%) vehicle. One in ten (11%) would choose hydrogen. Cost is a key factor in the decision and is also the key obstacle for those unlikely to switch, although six in ten are ready to pay more for a cleaner energy. Seven in ten agree that hydrogen energy can reduce energy dependence and believe that it's a sustainable energy source. Hydrogen is also seen as safe - six in ten believe it is as safe as any other energy source. Awareness of hydrogen is high as more than eight out of ten respondents in the EU have recently seen, read or heard something about it.