A process for the catalytic generation of hydrogen by the self-starting, self-sustaining combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming of an organic fuel wherein a mixture of the organic fuel and an oxygen-containing gas and steam is contacted with a precious metal catalyst which is selective for the partial oxidation reaction characterized in that the organic fuel is dimethyl ether. Suitable catalysts include platinum or rhodium supported on zirconia or a mixture of ceria and zirconia.