BRIDGING THE GAP: ORGANISATIONAL PERCEPTIONS AND ADOPTION STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL TWINS AND GEOLOGICAL HYDROGEN STORAGE IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION

Among the various technologies emerging as enablers of the global sustainable energy transition and digital transformation, digital twins and hydrogen have gained significant traction, offering solutions for enhanced operational efficiency, resilience, and decarbonisation. These technologies are particularly relevant to offshore and geological hydrogen storage applications, supporting scalable and sustainable energy systems. Despite their technical potential, widespread adoption depends on factors beyond technological readiness, such as societal perceptions, acceptance, and trust. This research investigates the interplay between organisational and employee acceptance towards adopting the use of digital twins in hydrogen projects through a mixed-methods approach. Methods include surveys, expert interviews, focus groups, and a case study of SSE’s Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder project, which aims to integrate digital twin technology with geological hydrogen storage and renewable energy systems. Key areas of focus for this study include perceived risks and benefits, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure readiness. By synthesising these findings, we propose strategies to foster organisational acceptance, facilitate integration across sectors such as energy, transportation, and maritime, and identify broader implications for renewables and offshore energy. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to accelerate the deployment of digital twins and hydrogen as synergistic tools in addressing global sustainability challenges.