Irish scientists have made a breakthrough that could lead to cheap and emissions-free fuel for cars.

Researchers at the CRANN institute in Trinity College Dublin have discovered a way of producing hydrogen that is 90% cheaper than existing methods.

The technology allows the extraction of pure hydrogen from water.

Professor Mike Lyons, from the CRANN institute, says hydrogen-fuelled cars could be the future.

“Hydrogen can be generated at the forecourt, it can be pumped just like petrol, and between fills you can perhaps go for 400-500 miles,” he said.

“So it really is a credible alternative to petrol.”