Clean hydrogen and its derivatives are vital to the global energy transition, yet their success depends as much on social acceptance as on technology and economics. Unlike conventional hydrogen production, the emerging clean hydrogen industry will operate across regions and borders, engaging directly with new communities. This report explores the importance of the Social License to Operate (SLO) for clean hydrogen projects and analyzes twenty dimensions that determine its success, providing an overview and assessment of nine toolkits for community engagement. It also presents good practices from nine real-world case studies to support a sustained SLO, highlighting the central role of trust, early engagement, and shared community benefits. The report concludes with recommendations for companies, policymakers, communities, and other social actors that play a critical role in building and maintaining an SLO.
