Energy futurists are excited about the "hydrogen economy" where hydrogen (H-2) will be effectively utilized in advanced fuel cells to produce clean and efficient energy. They also assume that H-2 will be generated from advanced renewable systems such as wind turbines, solar collectors, and biomass as these are low emissions sustainable energy resources. The hydrogen economy concept is interesting and certainly a possibility in the long-term as the fossil fuel age is expected to peak in 50-100 years, making fossil fuels increasingly expensive. However, for the short-term this idea must overcome tremendous obstacles and challenges due to the high cost of H-2 production from renewables, and more importantly, the need to develop the required H-2 infrastructure. This paper explains the key issues that may favor the hydrogen economy for the long-term, and more importantly, addresses CO2 capture options that are essential to help develop the required H-2 infrastructure in the short-term. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.