Skip to main content

Not Your Average Tree Lighting

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


This year, the U.S. Department of Energy showed its holiday spirit in traditional ways at its annual holiday party – with holiday cookies and punch at its downtown headquarters building. But, with a fun energy twist, Secretary Chu’s holiday tree was lit using a 150 W fuel cell instead of the local electric grid. The Trulite KH4 portable hydrogen fuel cell was able to combine hydrogen gas (from its HydroCell fuel cartridges) and oxygen from the air to produce electricity and heat. The other byproduct of this process – water – was recycled within the 23-lb unit.

Happy holidays!

Photo Credit: Photo of DOE fuel cell at annual holiday party courtesy of the DOE.