Scitem, a Japanese startup, will begin selling the first hydrogen-powered portable generators.
Small power generators, about the size of a briefcase, will be available for purchase starting this spring. Interchangeable hydrogen cartridges will be found inside. A type of mini hydrogen cylinder that generates electricity by interacting with oxygen in the air.
The idea behind these portable generators is to have access to energy whenever we need it, with the added benefit of not emitting CO2 and not degrading significantly over time like lithium batteries do.
You can use a traditional plug or a USB cable to charge your devices with the generator. But the most innovative aspect is that they have managed to design a system based on hydrogen that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Scitem costs 500,000 yen (approximately 3,800 euros) to change.
This price is for a 30W generator, but the company is already considering other models with different power levels. The company has previously sold hydrogen generators to businesses and research institutions, but this is the first step toward commercialization for everyday users.
There is no motor, no vibrations, and no carbon dioxide emissions in Scitem’s solution. Hydrogen is a cheap and accessible energy source, but transporting and managing it is a major challenge. That is why this small energy case is such a fascinating solution. We’ll see if they can deliver it at the promised price and if they can mass produce it.
