A systematic multi-criteria framework for selecting hydrogen production methods

Hydrogen (H2) is a clean energy carrier, yet selecting an economically and industrially viable production pathway remains challenging due to competing technical, economic, and environmental trade-offs. This study develops a structured multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to evaluate ten H2 production technologies using nine criteria relevant to industrial applicability, including cost, efficiency, operating conditions, and environmental performance. A hybrid approach integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to generate technology rankings, which are subsequently validated through the Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method and sensitivity analysis. The results identify Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) as the most viable option under current techno-economic conditions, offering high H2 yield (74%) and low production cost ($0.75 kg−1 H2), despite its environmental impact. Plasma reforming and coal gasification emerge as competitive alternatives, whereas electrolysis exhibits low emissions but remains cost-intensive. Thermolysis and bio-based routes, including bio-photolysis, photocatalysis, and fermentation, show favorable environmental performance but are constrained by limited yield and scalability. The proposed framework provides a transparent and adaptable decision-support tool for comparing H2 production pathways under evolving industrial and sustainability priorities.