Hydrogen supply chains: modeling challenges and sustainability gaps

Amid global efforts to decarbonize energy systems, hydrogen has emerged as a key solution for the transition to clean energy. However, the design of hydrogen supply chains (HSCs) remains a complex challenge, particularly in integrating sustainability pillars into strategic planning. Although several studies have proposed mathematical models for HSCs, few have critically examined how these models address together environmental, economic, and social dimensions. This study fills that gap by conducting a systematic literature review focusing on optimization approaches applied to HSC design, with a special emphasis on sustainability integration. Using the PRISMA methodology, a curated selection of 42 interconnected articles was analyzed in three stages: characterization of the literature, classification of modeling approaches, and systematization of future research perspectives. As its main contributions, this review reveals that most models emphasize economic and environmental objectives, whereas social aspects and life cycle considerations remain underexplored; highlights the limited incorporation of uncertainty modeling and policy instruments in existing frameworks; identifies key methodological advances; maps emerging research trends; and offers a structured agenda for future studies, emphasizing the need for more holistic, resilient, and inclusive approaches in HSC design.