Identifying challenges for implementing hydrogen energy in sport facilities: A mixed- method study

Abstract

Renewable energies are used extensively in different fields. One of the famous and clean types of renewable energy is hydrogen energy. Sport industry is one of the places where hydrogen can be used efficiently. In this paper, by using a mix methodology approach we tried to identify challenges of using hydrogen energy in sport facilities. A thorough analysis of previous research was conducted by reviewing study summaries and important phrases, then we used 18 expert opinions to complete the qualitative section and initial variables were created (30 variables). Then, exploratory factor analysis by using SPSS 23.0 were performed and 6 main challenges (Infrastructure, Technological, and Economical, Safety and regulatory concerns, Environmental and Operational challenges) with 24 variables generated. Next, confirmatory factor analysis by PLS V3.0 were performed and after elimination of two variables the created model was confirmed with a nice goodness of fit indices (AGFI = 0.859, CFI = 0.942, IFI = 0.941, NNFI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.029). In addition, Validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha (α) = 0.841) tests shows the good result. Generally, identifying the challenges in the way of using hydrogen energy in sports facilities can help experts in improving the current situations.