A Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Framework for Sustainability Assessment of Wind–Hydrogen Energy Projects: Method and Case Application

This study develops a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainability performance of wind power systems integrated with hydrogen storage (WPCHS). Unlike previous works that mainly emphasized economic or environmental indicators, our approach incorporates a balanced set of economic, environmental, and social criteria, supported by expert evaluation. To address the uncertainty in human judgment, we introduce an interval-valued fuzzy TOPSIS model that provides a more realistic representation of expert assessments. A case study in Manjil, Iran, demonstrates the application of the model, highlighting that project A4 outperforms other alternatives. The findings show that both economic factors (e.g., levelized cost of energy) and social aspects (e.g., poverty alleviation) strongly influence project rankings. Compared with earlier studies in Europe and the Middle East, this work contributes by extending the evaluation scope beyond financial and environmental metrics to include social sustainability, thereby enhancing decision-making relevance for policymakers and investors.