Using AHP and binary integer programming to optimize the initial distribution of hydrogen infrastructures in Andalusia

The use of vehicles powered by hydrogen from renewable sources can be a viable alternative for Andalusia, given its accessibility to renewable energies and the problems of energy dependence and pollution resulting from the current energy model. However, the introduction of this type of technology requires an initial infrastructure that solves the classical chicken and egg problem. Given that hydrogen fueling infrastructure will require significant initial capital investment, it is reasonable to assume that a possible strategy of introduction could be the establishment of a station network that is sparse to avoid redundancy and therefore minimize costs. In this paper, we utilize Analytic Hierarchy Process to rank, on the basis of several supply, demand and environmental criteria, the more than 750 municipalities of Andalusia according to their suitability for the establishment of hydrogen fueling stations. Subsequently, we incorporate these results into an optimization problem to achieve optimal planning of the number and location of hydrogen fueling stations to provide coverage for the region. ► This paper aims to optimally plan the development of H2 infrastructures in Andalusia. ► We have ranked the municipalities of Andalusia attending to their suitability for a H2 station. ► This suitability is defined by multiple criteria. ► The results obtained show that western Andalusia could be considered a promising starting point. ► We then designed a network of H2 stations aimed at providing coverage for all Andalusia.