Hydrogen Economy Water and electricity are needed to make hydrogen. When water is zapped with electricity and electrolysed, it splits into oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrogen can then be used to power an electric motor for distribution via fuel cells or a power grid. The only emission is pure water. The electricity can be generated using geothermal, hydropower, the wind or the sun. The result is a cleaner and less hazzardous alternative to fossil and nuclear fuels.