Techno-Enviro-Economic-Based Comparative Analysis of Hydrogen Production Pathways Using AHP-TOPSIS Framework

Hydrogen is essential for decarbonising energy systems, yet optimal production pathways remain debated. This study presents a comprehensive techno–enviro–economic assessment of 17 hydrogen production methods. The assessment results were used to identify the optimal hydrogen production methods under a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework using an integrated analytical hierarchy process (AHP)–technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) framework. Eight criteria were evaluated—energy efficiency, technology readiness level (TRL), production rate, CO2 emissions, water consumption, CAPEX, OPEX, and levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH). AHP-derived criterion weights were energy efficiency: 34%, TRL: 18%, production rate: 10%, CO2 emissions: 4%, H2O consumption: 8%, LCOH: 4%, CAPEX: 13%, and OPEX: 8%—with an acceptable consistency ratio (CR = 0.06). Data gaps were addressed using multiple linear regression. TOPSIS rankings identified Steam Methane Reforming (SMR, Ci=0.77) as the most viable pathway, followed by Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC, Ci=0.76), and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM, Ci=0.71). Emerging photolytic and biological pathways ranked lowest because of their low TRLs and economics. Under the adopted criteria and weighting scheme, SMR+CCS demonstrated short-term transition potential while electrolysis pathways provide long-term sustainability. The framework offers policymakers and industry a replicable decision-support tool for developing hydrogen strategies.