An open-source graphical user interface platform for hydrogen infrastructure optimisation for United Kingdom energy system

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 requires the rapid decarbonisation of heating in the United Kingdom, with hydrogen and electrification identified as the most promising pathways alongside carbon capture and storage (CCS). The complexity of this transition arises from deep sectoral interdependencies, high penetration of variable renewables, uncertain technology costs, and the need for long-term infrastructure investments. Existing open-source modelling frameworks provide valuable insights but often lack user accessibility, comprehensive hydrogen and CCS representation, and robust treatment of uncertainty. This paper introduces an open-source graphical user interface (GUI) platform that integrates a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimisation model for the coupled hydrogen, electricity, gas, heating, and carbon infrastructure. The platform supports deterministic, stochastic (with scenario generation and fast forward selection scenario reduction), and robust optimisation approaches, enabling risk-aware planning under uncertainty. Users can configure scenarios, select solvers (including open-source options and NEOS remote execution), and visualise results through modern spatial and temporal outputs, such as hydrogen and CO₂ pipeline networks, generation units locations, and installed capacities. By combining flexibility, transparency, and interpretability, the proposed GUI bridges the gap between advanced optimisation and practical decision-making. It provides policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders with a powerful decision-support tool to evaluate cost-effective, resilient, and transparent strategies for UK heating decarbonisation within the net-zero pathway.