A hydrogen economy assumed that it would be difficult to create all-electric vehicles that had the performance and range people want. I don't really think this is true any more, and I agree that hydrogen has mostly niche uses.

Hydrogen is in danger of becoming another science/political buzz word, with a lot of support regardless of actual benefits.

Key energy technologies in my opinion are (not a complete list):

--Safe nuclear reactors, with waste stored above ground in guarded central locations

--Continued advanced in photoelectric cells (this is going quite well right now, and without any government "Manhattan Project" programs.) Small government investments in a wide range of applications leading to private investment are proving to be much more effective and a lot cheaper.

--Battery tech for autos. The hybrid craze is fueling battery technology like nobody's business. All-electrics are going to be all over the place in a few years.