Site selection of wind-photovoltaic coupling hydrogen production project with the assistant of geographic information system: A multi-criteria decision-making study under the hybrid fuzzy environment

With the rapid development of renewable energy systems, the site selection of related projects has also developed. This paper proposes a site selection framework for wind-photovoltaic coupled hydrogen production (WPCHP) projects under a hybrid fuzzy environment. First, a comprehensive criteria system is built based on the characteristics of WPCHP. Second, a preliminary screening of potential sites in Sichuan Province is conducted using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, yielding four candidate regions ( A 1– A 4). To address the fuzziness and uncertainty inherent in expert evaluations, a hybrid fuzzy environment is constructed using linguistic sets and triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs), while subjective and objective weights are determined by integrating the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM). Furthermore, the TODIM method, which accounts for decision-makers' risk aversion tendencies, is employed to rank the candidate sites. The case study reveals that resource conditions (C1) and economic factors (C2) carry the highest weights, whereas social (C3) and natural (C4) factors have a lesser impact. The final ranking— A 1 (Liangshan) > A 4 (Panzhihua) > A 2 (Ganzi) > A 3 (Aba)—validates the framework’s reliability. A comparative analysis with the classical TOPSIS and PROMETHEE methods demonstrates consistency, confirming that the proposed approach effectively incorporates decision-makers' behavioral preferences and provides a scientific basis for complex energy project siting. This study investigates the multi-criteria decision-making site selection of the WPCHP project and establishes a new index system in accordance with the characteristics of this project. It not only fills a research gap in WPCHP site selection but also lays the foundation for future studies on integrated energy systems involving wind-solar-hydrogen coupling. The findings contribute to advancing renewable hydrogen production projects and related integrated energy system researches. • The suitability of the wind-solar coupling project with hydrogen is considered. • A multi-criteria decision-making study under the hybrid fuzzy environment. • Integration of best-worst and entropy method is used to for the combined weights. • A site selection framework assisted by geographic information system is built. • The importance of Economic factor is highlighted for the project site selection.