One of the biggest barriers to utilizing hydrogen gas as a fuel is the lack of infrastructure to support its distribution, but a British company has unveiled a novel new approach that brings the hydrogen economy one step closer to reality.

ITM Power Plc has developed a compact refuelling station for use at home or by a business that produces hydrogen using just water and an electricity supply.

So long as the electricity is produced using a renewable source such as wind, wave, solar or nuclear power, this invention would dramatically decrease emissions of CO₂ and dependence on fossil fuels.

To demonstrate the refuelling station, ITM converted a Ford Focus to run on hydrogen, with a basic, low-cost conversion allowing a range of about 40 kilometres.

That's thought to be enough to cover many urban commutes, though the range should be relatively easy to extend, by the compression of the gas and by incorporating a bespoke storage tank. However, the converted car can also run on regular petrol for journeys further afield.

Jim Heathcote, CEO of ITM Power, said: "Given the pressing need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, especially oil, and to cut CO₂ emissions, the future for hydrogen as an alternative means of storing and utilising energy cost-effectively has never been brighter."