Managing ignorance: public perception of hydrogen technologies’ implementation in Poland

Background This study examines ignorance and its strategic management in the context of new energy technologies, focusing on hydrogen technologies in Poland. Given the development of the energy transition in Poland and the national Polish Hydrogen Strategy, this research investigates how laypeople perceive hydrogen technologies and address gaps in their knowledge. Ignorance management is framed as individuals’ strategies to understand new or unfamiliar technologies. We highlight how different forms of non-knowledge, ignorance, knowledge gaps, and misconceptions shape technology acceptance and opposition to the energy transition. This study draws on focus group narratives organised as part of the project on developing a hydrogen technology safety strategy for Poland and is situated in a mix-method research design. Results The analysis reveals several key mechanisms of ignorance management. First, when confronted with unfamiliar technologies, individuals seek connections to everyday life, relying on analogies and associative reasoning. Second, participants construct extended “networks”/chains of associations grounded in pre-existing knowledge frameworks, which may include both optimistic narratives about hydrogen as a modern and green energy source and sceptical imaginaries concerning hidden risks and economic costs. Third, chains of associations frequently express distrust toward officially presented information about the technology. Finally, ignorance is produced at an ontological level when decisions and investments are confined to expert circles, sidelining public engagement. Despite only 38% of the respondents recognising the hydrogen technologies, the results indicate a high interest in energy-related information, especially when addressed by experts and academics. Conclusions The findings emphasise the importance of transparent communication, improved energy literacy, and broader public education on the energy transition to foster societal acceptance of hydrogen technologies and mitigate the risks of disinformation. Addressing knowledge gaps and involving the public in energy transition processes are essential to ensuring equitable and transparent energy governance. This research highlights the need for targeted informational campaigns and structural changes to promote informed public engagement with hydrogen technologies as part of a just energy transition.