BP and GE in Hydrogen Pact

Two of the world's largest energy companies are teaming up to create hydrogen from fossil fuels. BP and GE are building power plants in Scotland and California that will convert coal and natural gas into hydrogen and could jointly build as many as 15 power plants within the next 10 years.

The companies claim they will reduce the amount of pollution by sequestering 90 percent of the carbon dioxide produced underground.

The technologies needed to cleanly and safely convert fossil fuels into hydrogen require collaborative efforts with fuel and electricity companies to maximize efficiency. Hydrogen and heat are often byproducts of the refining process, so integrated power plants make the most sense. This will also require streamlined distribution networks, with trucks and pipelines sending out fuel in various forms.