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The Physics of the Hydrogen Economy
Spy der Mann writes "A Physics Today article entitled The Hydrogen Economy explores the possibility of using hydrogen as an energy source. The article explores the current methods, limitations, and the need for more research. For those wanting to point out the Hindenburg incident, the article doesn't talk about gaseous hydrogen only, but also about hydrogen fuel cells. My favorite quote: 'The natural world began forming its own hydrogen economy 3 billion years ago, when it developed photosynthesis to convert CO2, water, and sunlight into hydrogen and oxygen'. Interesting read for eco-fans."
The Hindenburg didn't go up in flames because of the hydrogen gas inside, it was due to the outer skin which was made from a rocket fuel like substance.
"A more recent theory suggested by Addison Bain, former manager of NASA's hydrogen program, was that the initial fire was not burning hydrogen. Hydrogen burns without much of a visible flame, but witnesses described the fire as extremely colorful. Bain thinks the doping solution used to stretch and waterproof the hull was responsible. The compound, a layer of iron oxide covered with coats of cellulose butyrate acetate mixed with powdered aluminum, is very similar to a mixture used to power solid fuel rockets. 'The Hindenburg was literally painted with rocket fuel,' says Bain."
http://www.unmuseum.org/hindenburg.htm
The Rocky Mountain Institute has published a number of papers on hydrogen and the hydrogen economy. This page contains links to papers (as pdf) including Twenty Hydrogen Myths and A Strategy for the Hydrogen Transition amongst others. They also have a separate website for one of their book publications called Winning the Oil Endgame.