Emissions reduction system and method

A reformate/buffer system and method for operating an exhaust emissions control device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the reformate/buffer system comprises: a hydride storage bed, a hydride cycling bed disposed in fluid communication with the hydride storage bed, a hydrogen separation device, a reformate flow path, coolant flow passages in thermal communication with the hydride cycling bed, and reformer flow passages in thermal communication with the hydride cycling bed. The reformate flow path is formed by the hydride storage bed, the hydride cycling bed, and the hydrogen separation device and is disposed in fluid communication with the hydride storage bed and hydride cycling bed.