The aim of this work was to test the feasibility of using porous graphite electrodes as cathodes for the electrolytic production of hydrogen from flowing alkaline solutions. The platinum loading on the graphite substrate was found to decrease the potential required to sustain a certain rate of hydrogen production, and hence the energy consumed during electrolysis. The experimental i/E relations agreed with those theoretically predicted on the basis of a mathematical model up to a current density of about 200 mA cm(-2). The excessive polarization at higher current is attributed to trapping of hydrogen gas bubbles within the porous electrode.