2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(169g) Hydrogen Storage As a Service (HySaaS)

Authors

Rachael Rothman, University of Sheffield
The Hydrogen Storage as a Service (HySaaS) project represents a novel approach to hydrogen storage and distribution, designed to overcome existing cost, safety, and scalability challenges within the hydrogen value chain. By shifting from a capital intensive ownership model to a flexible, service-based rental business model, HySaaS aims to enhance the economic viability of hydrogen infrastructure, lower barriers to entry for new adopters, and streamline operational efficiencies across industries. However, beyond its technical and commercial feasibility, the success of HySaaS also depends heavily on social acceptance among various stakeholder groups, each of which harbour unique concerns and expectations. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of social acceptance for HySaaS by engaging three key stakeholder groups: value chain actors (e.g., industry partners, hydrogen producers, and distributors), society and local communities (the general public), and the fire service. The research employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating focus groups, structured public surveys, and targeted expert consultations to uncover prevailing attitudes, key concerns, and acceptance drivers within each group.

Key findings from the study indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived safety are pivotal in shaping stakeholder attitudes towards HySaaS. Value chain actors recognise the potential to mitigate high upfront investment costs, enable modular scaling of hydrogen infrastructure, and improve logistical flexibility. However, they highlight existing concerns regarding service-based storage solutions’ standardisation and compatibility with existing systems. Society and local communities exhibit cautious optimism, generally acknowledging hydrogen’s role in a sustainable energy transition. However, concerns surrounding safety, technological risks, and the perceived complexity of hydrogen technologies currently limit public acceptance. Despite widespread support for green technologies, public respondents report varying degrees of trust regarding hydrogen storage and distribution, particularly concerning accident risks and emergency response capabilities. The degree of acceptance is seen to be heavily dependent on proximity to technology deployment.

The fire service, as first responders, indicated that they see significant value in the integration of real-time monitoring systems, clear hazard identification protocols, and dedicated hydrogen-related training programs or support lines. While recognising the safety advancements implemented through HySaaS, the fire service representative shared the view that early engagement with emergency response agencies is critical in enabling bidirectional continuous professional development, and improved protocol development to ensure that hydrogen incidents can be managed effectively.

Recommendations to maximise social acceptance of such a system will be presented.