Spatial Multi-criteria Analysis for the Planning of Green Hydrogen Infrastructure: The Case Study of the Industrial Area of Viggiano

The paper examines the criteria that help to identify the most suitable sites for the location of plants, structures, and networks needed to produce, store, and distribute green hydrogen produced through water electrolysis. To carry out this analysis, it was necessary to work through the integration of two tools: the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Geographic Information System (GIS). While AHP allows for the analytical analysis of criteria, GIS identifies the spatial relationships generated in identifying suitable sites for the Green Hydrogen Infrastructure (GHI) placement. The approach considers several criteria that fall into three main categories: technical, economic, and environmental. Developing the criteria results in a land suitability map as the final product. The process mentioned is evident in the case study, namely identifying suitable sites for the location of GHIs in the Viggiano industrial area in Basilicata (Italy). The paper reveals that the methodology supports urban planners, decision-makers, and stakeholders in developing and using green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.