Hydrogen will transform the transport industry and could eventually replace natural gas, Arup's environment and resources leader Mike Straughton says.

Speaking at the Australian Financial Review's National Energy Summit, Mr Straughton outlined the increasing importance of hydrogen as a future energy source, saying it had "moved beyond the Hindenburg".

The number of hydrogen-powered cars on the road will number into the millions by 2030. Credit:Peter DaSilva

Mr Straughton said hydrogen would play an increasing role in powering the nation, and could eventually replace natural gas.

"Fundamentally, where natural gas is used in turbines, hydrogen could be substituted as a key fuel," he said.