Hydrogen is an attractive energy media for reducing the emission Of CO2 and pollutants in our fossil fuel society. Although studies worldwide have indicated the technical feasibility of the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier in the transport and energy sectors, there are several non-technical barriers which must be overcome or removed before hydrogen can be applied in energy systems. The project HySociety focuses on the 15 EU member states plus Norway and Iceland and addresses the non-technical barriers such as codes and standards for hydrogen infrastructure implementation, public safety concerns, social and economic impacts, changing trends in industrial structures and in the European economy. The project aims to provide an action plan for the Successful introduction of a clean, safe and efficient hydrogen-based society in Europe. (C) 2004 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.