Government officials see hydrogen as fuel of future, but cost is high.

Byline: David Ivanovich

Nov. 10--WASHINGTON -- The drive to usher in a new hydrogen-run economy has taken a step closer to reality, with the installation of the nation's first hydrogen pumps at a corner gas station.

Hoping to show off the promise of a still-evolving technology, Shell Hydrogen and General Motors Corp. today will unveil two hydrogen dispensers at a busy Shell station just five miles from the Capitol.

The project is not really a commercial venture. The dispensers will be used to fuel only six fuel cell-powered Opel Zafira minivans owned by GM.

But the partners are hoping the availability of liquid and compressed hydrogen fuel at an otherwise typical gas station will intrigue energy policy-makers and the driving public alike.

Jeremy Bentham, chief executive officer of Amsterdam-based Shell Hydrogen, said the combined hydrogen-gasoline retail outlet will give Shell customers an early introduction to an attractive motoring future.

Government leaders have seized upon hydrogen as a potentially revolutionary fuel source that could help reduce urban smog, curb greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change and lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil.