Examining dynamics of hydrogen supply chains

Hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero targets and advancing green economies. However, a range of complex operational challenges hinders its planning, production, delivery, and adoption. At the same time, numerous drivers within the hydrogen value chain present significant opportunities. This paper investigates the intricate relationships between these drivers and barriers associated with hydrogen supply chain (HSC). Utilising expert judgment in combination Grey-DEMATEL technique, we propose a framework to assess the interplay of HSC drivers and barriers. Gaining insight into these relationships not only improves access to hydrogen but also foster innovation in its development as a low-carbon resource. The use of prominence scores and net influence rankings for each driver and barrier in the framework provides a comprehensive understanding of their relative significance and impact. Our findings demonstrate that by identifying and accurately mapping these attributes, clear cause-and-effect relationships can be established, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the HSC. These insights have broad implications across operational, policy, scholarly and social domains. For instance, this framework can aid stakeholders in recognizing the range of opportunities available by addressing key barriers to hydrogen adoption. • Hydrogen supply chains are vital for green economies and net-zero goals. • Key barriers: regulatory, public acceptance, economic, design, and modelling. • Main drivers: geography, innovation, expertise, clusters, infrastructure. • Three-phase framework identifies, validates, and ranks HSC drivers and barriers.