1 Million Hydrogen-Fueled Portable Phone Chargers to Help Nigerians

The British company Intelligent Energy will soon be rolling out 1 million new chargers for African smartphone users. As the continent suffers from a power shortage, researchers are working to create portable chargers that rely primarily on hydrogen fuel cells. These devices will be available mainly in Nigeria and South Africa, after successful tests for the products from the previous five months.

"In emerging markets where the grids are not reliable and people are using (mobile phones) as a primary device, it is mission critical; if you're out, you're out," Amar Samra said via Reuters, the consumer electronics managing director.

The news organization notes that these chargers will work to back up the spread of smartphones, tablets and other media devices across countries facing power shortages.

Samra notes that consumers can expect to pay less than $5 to refuel their chargers when using a non-disposable cartridge. This translates to the cost of less than $1 to charge a phone. However, the final cost will ultimately depend on how telecom companies decide to market and sell the new product. The chargers reportedly fit easily into a handbag and will retail for around $200 or $10 a month with a two-year contract.

"We always have problems with cell batteries, so everybody will be keen for portable energy," said businessman Thabo Magagula, who also attended the conference, via the news organization. "But it has to be the right price for it to fly in our markets.