This study assesses the suitability and technical potential for green hydrogen production in Minas Gerais, Brazil, using a spatially explicit framework. By an Analytic Hierarchy Process, the suitability across 66 microregions is evaluated by applying four main criteria and 22 subcriteria that encompass environmental, resource, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors, weighted by expert judgment. In parallel, the study estimates green hydrogen production potential based on renewable electricity availability from solar, wind, biomass, and residual sources, considering electrolysis. The results indicate a total technical potential of approximately 46 Mt H 2 per year, largely dominated by solar energy (86%). Environmental restrictions emerge as the most influential factor in territorial suitability, often outweighing resource availability. Northwestern microregions show higher suitability, while some resource-rich areas remain constrained by environmental factors. Overall, regions with higher suitability align with higher production potential, highlighting the need for integrated planning approaches. • A GIS-based AHP framework assessed green hydrogen suitability in 66 microregions. • Environmental restrictions were the dominant factor shaping territorial suitability. • Minas Gerais shows a theoretical green hydrogen potential of 46 Mt H 2 per year. • Solar energy accounts for 86% of the estimated hydrogen production potential. • Trade-offs emerge between multicriteria suitability and resource-based potential.
Goulart et al. (Thu,) studied this question.