Gasgrid Finland surveyed Finns’ knowledge of hydrogen and attitudes towards hydrogen. The survey shows that Finns’ knowledge of hydrogen is limited, but that attitudes towards hydrogen are positive. One in two believe that Finland can be a pioneer in the hydrogen economy in Europe. Finns further believe that hydrogen can bring benefits to a wide range of target groups.
Finns seem to believe in the potential of hydrogen. This is clear from a survey conducted in October 2024 by Iro Research which included 1,000 respondents. The aim of the survey was to find out what Finns know and think about hydrogen.
More than half of the respondents (53%) fully or somewhat agreed with the statement that hydrogen has the potential to make Finland a technological and economic pioneer in Europe in the introduction of the hydrogen economy. Similarly, 49% believed that switching to hydrogen would reduce the carbon footprint and “clean up the planet”. The benefits of hydrogen were believed to reach a wide target group. More than a third believe that hydrogen can bring prosperity to Finnish regions and that hydrogen will have a significant impact on employment in Finland in the future. Around 40% also strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that hydrogen can improve Finland’s international competitiveness.
Attitudes positive or neutral
Finns’ attitudes towards hydrogen are almost exclusively neutral (44%) or positive (52%). Those who have some knowledge of hydrogen are the most positive. Positive aspects mentioned in the survey include hydrogen’s positive environmental impact and carbon neutrality and its role as a future energy source. On the other hand, concerns were raised about the costs of transporting and handling hydrogen as well as safety.
Hydrogen as an energy source still unknown
While public confidence in the potential of hydrogen appears high, the survey also reflects uncertainty about what hydrogen is. The majority of Finns say they know something about hydrogen (66%) but only about 9% say they know a lot about hydrogen. About one fifth know hydrogen only by name and a small proportion (6%) have never heard of hydrogen. The survey also asked people about their knowledge of green hydrogen. One in two Finns responded that they have heard of green hydrogen before, after the concept was first opened up**.
Overall, public attitudes towards hydrogen and hydrogen amongst Finns seem positive, although the knowledge of hydrogen is not yet at a very high level.
“The study indicates that hydrogen is not an energy source that Finns are very familiar with. However, the survey shows that Finns seem to have a positive or neutral attitude towards hydrogen. This is a good starting point as we set out to build a national cross-border hydrogen network, as it can only be achieved by working together seamlessly with different stakeholders. We also recognize that we need to continue communicating about hydrogen and the hydrogen economy,” says Virve Wright, Senior Vice President, Communications, Sustainability and Public Relations at Gasgrid.
The survey was carried out by Iro Research on behalf of Gasgrid Finland. The data collection was carried out on the internet through Iro Research’s nationwide IroNet consumer panel and 1000 people responded. The survey has a margin error of 3%. Gasgrid published the survey results at the Kaasujen tulevaisuus: Vetyvarma Suomi event on 27th of November, where preliminary route plans for the future national hydrogen pipeline were presented.
Research concepts
*Hydrogen was opened up in the study as following: Hydrogen is a key raw material and a key source of energy in the energy sector. It is used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to contribute to a carbon neutral society. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power and can be used in many sectors such as industry, transport and energy production.
**Green hydrogen was defined in the study as following: green hydrogen is hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar energy. This process is better for the environment as it produces less carbon dioxide emissions than fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is a key component of future energy systems as it can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality goals.