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From investment to impact: Exploring socio-economic prospect of hydrogen investment in Tees Valley, UK

Author

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  • Pashakolaie, Vahid Ghorbani
  • Gudlaugsson, Bjarnhedinn
  • Ahmed, Tariq G.

Abstract

Financial viability is fundamental for investment success, however, long run sustainable investment relies on delivering tangible socio-economic benefits that foster societal acceptance, enhancing community welfare and well-being. This study developed a quantitative model to evaluate the socio-economic impact of a proposed 1 GW green and 2 GW blue hydrogen investment in Tees Valley, UK, from 2027 to 2035. We introduced the socio-economic impact (SEI) ratio, defined as the ratio of socio-economic impact to the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), to illustrate the significance of socio-economic impact beyond financial returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Pashakolaie, Vahid Ghorbani & Gudlaugsson, Bjarnhedinn & Ahmed, Tariq G., 2026. "From investment to impact: Exploring socio-economic prospect of hydrogen investment in Tees Valley, UK," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:103:y:2026:i:c:s0038012125002204
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102371
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