A conceptual framework for integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions in the selection of hydrogen production pathways

This study examines how sustainability dimensions are integrated into multi-criteria decision-making approaches for the selection of low-carbon hydrogen production pathways. The analysis focuses on decision-support applications that jointly consider economic, environmental, and social dimensions when ranking alternative hydrogen technologies. Results indicate that biomass gasification and water electrolysis consistently emerge as leading options. Electrolysis rankings are strongly influenced by the assumed electricity source, particularly when renewable-based systems are considered. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is the most frequently used MCDM method, with significant variability in indicator selection, weighting schemes, and terminology across studies. This heterogeneity hampers comparability and may distort decision outcomes. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the indicator architecture, particularly in cases of pronounced weighting imbalances, is indispensable to ensure that rankings reflect intended priorities and minimise bias. To address these challenges, a unified theoretical framework is proposed to harmonise terminology, streamline indicator sets, and guide consistent ranking of hydrogen technologies. This framework aims to enhance methodological robustness, comparability, and policy relevance in sustainability assessments of hydrogen production systems. • Selection of hydrogen technologies is often biased towards cost and CO 2 emissions. • Biased indicator weighting can distort sustainability assessment outcomes. • A sustainable MCDM framework for balanced technology selection is proposed. • Relevant dimensions are social, environmental, economic and technical. • An integrated approach is presented for a sustainable hydrogen economy.