Review of multi-vectored energy hubs: Concept, architecture, management strategies, and research directions

The growing complexity and sectoral interdependence of modern energy systems necessitate transitioning from single-vector operation to an integrated multi-vectored and networked framework. Multi-Vectored Energy Hubs (MVEHs) and their networked extensions (MV-NEHs) present a promising solution for co-optimizing various energy vectors such as electricity, gas, heat, hydrogen, water and other carriers under an integrated structure. The coordinated approach enhances system efficiency, flexibility, and resilience while facilitating efficient renewable energy utilization and reducing emissions. This paper systematically reviews the concept, architecture and management strategies of MVEHs, with a strong emphasis on their operational interaction with power systems under IEEE and other benchmark test cases. The role of game-theoretic, cooperative, and transactive energy management mechanisms in improving networked architectures is explored, alongside advances in flexible technologies such as demand response and Power-to-X for achieving low-emission energy systems. A detailed comparison of test systems, objectives, constraints, solver platforms, and coupling configurations is provided, highlighting how network size and structure influence multi-vector integration. Combining insights from over 230 studies, the review underscores the need to develop benchmark frameworks for multi-energy integration within IEEE-based power systems that reflect operational constraints and enable realistic cross-vector coordination. This necessitates hybrid frameworks combining robust optimization, multi-layer governance, and distributed cooperative–competitive energy management schemes. Emphasis should be placed on aligning operational control and long-term planning across temporal hierarchies and energy vectors through System-of-Systems (SoS) approaches and real-time responsive architectures. • Systematic review of multi-vectored energy hubs and networked architectures. • Highlights IEEE-based test systems for modeling sector-coupled energy hubs. • Reviews coordination schemes across temporal scales and energy carriers. • Examines flexible technologies and P2X pathways for low-emission operation. • Identifies modeling gaps in uncertainty, planning, and inter-hub coordination.