Hydrogen is a clean and efficient energy carrier with a high energy density. Liquid hydrogen is expected to be the main form of hydrogen for large-scale storage and transportation, and its production consumes large amounts of electrical energy. A sustainable, efficient, and poly-generation hydrogen liquefaction system has been developed based on the closed Claude precooling and Joule–Brayton refrigeration cycle with mixed refrigerant, producing 367.2 tonnes of liquid hydrogen every day. In this system, a two-stage ammonia–water (NH3–H2O) absorption refrigeration system driven by waste heat precools the feed streams of compressors; a combined solar power tower generates electricity and heat, and thermal energy storage improves the system’s flexibility and balances the energy production and consumption. The process performance is evaluated based on energy, exergy, and sensitivity analyses. The minimum specific energy consumption, maximum coefficient of performance, and maximum exergy efficiency are 5.413 kWh/kgLH2, 0.1433, and 86.99%, respectively. The net power generation values during the day and at night are 1278.85 and 1353.78 MWh, respectively.Graphical abstract: