Although carmakers have displayed fuel-cell concept cars over recent years they have been reluctant to begin full scale production without the necessary infrastructure to support them.

The university’s engineers are conducting research to ascertain the viability of hydrogen in transport applications, as well as assess safety issues.

The research will determine how hydrogen vehicles need to be adapted in order to make it an attractive and cost effective option as a future fuel.

The Series 100 fuelling station features integrated hydrogen storage and dispensing system and is optimised to fuel up to six vehicles a day.

Dr Bruno Pollet, from the university’s Fuel Cells Group, said: “It is essential, now, that we begin to develop a supply chain of businesses which can generate jobs and growth in these new technologies.”

Three stations are reportedly scheduled for the capital, where Transport for London is planning to introduce a fleet of 70 vehicles from next year, and at least 12 stations are expected to open across the country by 2010.

The opening has been welcomed by Kia whose hydrogen powered Sportage FCEV prototype has already attracted the attention of Transport for London which has been in talks with the manufacturers as part of its hydrogen vehicle programme.

“The opening of the first hydrogen station is fantastic news. We welcome it and feel the more stations, the better,” said a spokeswoman.

The company is also urging the government to give more support to creating an infrastructure.

“It’s a chicken and egg scenario. The government says implementation is the responsibility of car manufacturers, but manufacturers say the government must also provide some support,” she said.