Construction of a structural equation model to identify public acceptance factors for hydrogen refueling stations under the provision of risk and safety information

Hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) are an inevitable infrastructure for the utility of fuel cell vehicles; however, they can raise public safety concerns. The aim of this study is to establish a framework for public acceptance of HRSs in Japan upon the provision of risk and/or safety measure information on HRSs. We executed an in-person interview survey asking the respondents about their acceptance of HRSs and then constructed a structural equation model on HRS acceptance with four endogenous factors. The common factors to determine acceptability were “Dread” and “Independent”. “Balance” was added to the factors for the risk-informed group. If risk information was provided, people tended to judge based on their inherent sense of “Balance”; however, if it was not provided, their judgment was based on their intuitive “Dread” of HRSs or hydrogen. This study reveals risk perception characteristics and attempts to promote improved risk communication prior to HRS installation.