Mazda has received approval from the Japanese government to operate a hydrogen gas filling station as part of its hydrogen research and development programme.

The motor company is currently developing the world's first dual fuel rotary engine, the H2RE (Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE).

The new facility will store and supply fuel for the hydrogen-rotary powered vehicles and Mazda expects to have street versions in use within the next two years.

The H2RE is powered by a modified version of Mazda's award-winning RENESIS rotary engine and features an electronically controlled hydrogen direct injection system.

The hydrogen/rotary combination offers a superior environmental performance, with zero CO2 emissions and near zero nitrogen oxide emissions.

In addition, the innovative engine can be built at a relatively low cost because existing parts and production facilities are utilised.

The hydrogen/gasoline dual fuel system will also enable the H2RE to travel beyond the range of the few hydrogen filling stations now available.

The novel concept appeared as part of the Mazda display at the International Detroit Motor Show in January.

Mazda says that it will continue to develop this technology for practical use and work to support the development of a hydrogen-fuelled society.