GIS-based multi-criteria site analysis of electrolyzer systems for the production of green hydrogen in Germany

As hydrogen gains relevance in the green energy transition, especially in the context of the German National Hydrogen Strategy (NWS), selecting optimal sites for electrolysis is becoming a key challenge. Adopting a long-term perspective, this work combines geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis methods with forecast data for the hydrogen infrastructure and water availability in 2040. This provides comprehensive, future-oriented decision support for stakeholders in green hydrogen production. The site analysis identifies the key criteria and constraints that shape the selection process. Relevant data are then gathered and integrated, forming the basis for a structured evaluation. The criteria are weighted and assessed to reflect their relative importance. A site selection based on these criteria is performed, and decision making strategies are derived. This study compares scenarios to examine how different weighting approaches, equal weighting versus expert-based weighting, affect the spatial distribution of land suitability for green hydrogen production. The results of the multi-criteria analysis are visualized in a heat map showing five levels of suitability, with the region around Leuna examined in more detail. The analysis shows that while 71.1 % of the land is unsuitable, several highly suitable zones, particularly in southern and central Germany, offer promising conditions. • GIS-based multi-criteria analysis maps optimal electrolyzer sites for green H2. • Only 0.5 % of Germany is very highly suitable; > 70 % is unsuitable by constraints. • Leuna industrial area is assessed in detail, largely driven by infrastructure. • Results inform policymakers and industry to advance Germany’s green hydrogen goals.