Hydrogen generation cartridge and portable hydrogen generator

A hydrogen generation cartridge (110) preferably includes a munitions casing (101), a hydrogen producing chemical reactant within the casing (101), and an outlet for releasing hydrogen produced in the casing (101). A portable hydrogen generator preferably includes a chamber (122) for receiving a plurality of hydrogen generation cartridges (110), and control electronics (130) for selectively operating the hydrogen generation cartridges (110) in the chamber (122). The cartridges (110) individually produce hydrogen under control of the control electronics (130).