One potential solution to the hydrogen delivery dilemma is production of hydrogen directly on-site at fueling stations. To see if this is feasible and economically advantageous, Energetics performed engineering-economics studies. Specifically, we evaluated the engineering and economic aspects of using solar-thermal energy in combination conventional steam-reforming systems to produce hydrogen from natural gas at a refueling station. This approach addresses greenhouse gas emissions because the byproduct of the solar-thermal portion is carbon black, not CO₂.

Developing an infrastructure for delivering hydrogen to a fuel station for hydrogen-powered vehicles presents a dilemma: How can we build hydrogen infrastructure without hydrogen vehicles to use it? And, how can we make and sell hydrogen vehicles if there is no infrastructure for fueling them?