Hydra-Light’s water activated fuel cells provide an alternative to single use disposable batteries. They provide light and charging points for those without reliable grid access.

Hydra-Light’s patent-pending energy cells, HydraCells, are activated simply by contact with water (fresh or saltwater). When the cells become hydrated, they produce an electric current. Hydra-Light installs these fuel cells into a range of products, primarily for lighting and portable charging, or both. A single HydraCell has a shelf life of 25 years and delivers more than thirty times the runtime of a conventional AA Alkaline battery, without the waste.

These products can be used in a number of applications. They can help to connect communities in rural and remote areas to a reliable source of lighting, as well as power for devices that provide access to emergency communication, phone banking, and more. Their durability makes them useful in natural disasters and conflict zones, and can be used by response teams and emergency services. Some of their products also come with a solar panel and rechargeable lithium battery to boost device charging speeds by using two power sources.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 3 billion single-use batteries each year, or roughly 180,000 tonnes. When they reach the end of their useful life, batteries have a significant environmental impact. Although many types of batteries are now recycled, those that are landfilled or incinerated pollute our air, water and soil, and can expose people to toxic chemicals. HydraCells are made without toxic chemicals and their long life-span means that their end-of-life footprint is much smaller than conventional batteries.

In addition, over 25 billion litres of kerosene are consumed globally each year for lighting. The runtime of a single HydraCell used to deliver clean bright light, can replace up to 7 litres of kerosene otherwise burned in kerosene lamps.

Affordable and clean energy
HydraCells brings a stable source of energy to people who are not connected to a reliable energy grid, with a lower environmental impact than disposable batteries or the use of kerosene, candles, or other combustibles.

Responsible consumption and production
HydraCells can reduce the need for single-use alkaline batteries, decreasing the quantity of hazardous materials entering our waste streams. HydraCells used to replace kerosene, will reduce harmful household pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease risk of fire.