Effecting the adoption of blockchain technology enablers in supply chain sustainability with green hydrogen acceptance role as a mediator: Evidence from complex decarbonization industries in the United Arab Emirates

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 84; pp. 1085 - 1100
• Main Authors: Mothafar, Nora A., Zhang, Jingxiao, Alsoffary, Amani, Aslam, Muhammed Ali, AL-Barakani, Abdo, Alhady, Osama S., Esangbedo, Caroline Olufunke, Kone, Seydou Dramane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 26.09.2024
• Subjects: Blockchain technology enablers; Complex decarbonization industries; Green hydrogen; Structural equation modeling; Sustainable supply chain; Complex decarbonization industries; Green hydrogen; Structural equation modeling; Blockchain technology enablers; Sustainable supply chain
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.08.243

The industrial sector is undergoing a pervasive digital transformation in the current landscape, particularly in steel, cement, chemicals, and refineries. These are collectively termed "complex decarbonization industries (CDI)," where reducing emissions poses a significant challenge. Green hydrogen (GH) production, conducted sustainability, represents an innovative solution that facilitates energy storage and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. However, producing green hydrogen requires effective management and flexible strategic decisions to ensure transparency and environmental friendliness. This paper utilizes blockchain technology enablers (BCTE) to track carbon emissions and ensure the origin of green gas in these sectors while independently exploring its relationship to a sustainable supply chain (SSC). GH is presented as a mediating variable in this relationship. Utilizing a cross-sectional methodology, the research gathered data via interviews and an online survey from 462 employees in companies participating in the 2022 Shams Dubai program under the aegis of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority in the UAE. The Structural Equation Modeling - Analysis of Moment Structures (SEM-AMOS) technique was used to perform the statistical analyses. Based on interviews and survey results in the UAE's CDI, the findings show that BCTE directly impacts SSC's social and environmental dimensions, while its effect on the economic dimension is negative. However, when GH mediated this relationship, the results were indirectly positive in enhancing the SSC in complex decarbonization industries without any negative environmental effects. Adopting GH is a way to reward sustainable behavior. The findings of this study could inform the UAE's policymaking, particularly in designing incentives for GH adoption in industrial sectors and creating regulatory frameworks that encourage BCTE integration for energy tracking and emissions reduction. This approach could serve as a model for similar economies striving for sustainable industrial practices. •Application of BCTE in the field of GHSC is nascent at present.•UTAUT and GT adopted for understanding BCTE in GHSC.•SEM-AMOS used to model BCTE adoption.•GH mediates the link between BCTE adoption and SSC aspects.•Proposed mitigation strategies for SSC.