'Hydrogen Highway' Could Link East Coast

Maine could become the northern end of an East Coast "hydrogen highway" if a company builds a hydrogen filling station in Portland to power a coming generation of fuel-cell powered electric vehicles.

SunHydro of Wallingford, Conn., has proposed building an initial network of nine hydrogen service stations along Interstate 95 from Portland to Miami.

The company's first station opened last month in Wallingford. A second station is planned for Braintree, Mass.

The company would use solar panels and water to produce hydrogen.

The Portland Press Herald says the company claims it would be the world's first chain of privately funded stations for fuel-cell-powered cars and trucks.

Company officials are planning a meeting next Tuesday in Portland to discuss the proposal.