TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The combustion step is carried out at a temperature of 800-1200 K. A heat flux required to initiate the combustion of the solid product is 6-10 J/cm2. A mass quantity of heat required for the decomposition of the solid hydrogen product is 1700 J/g, and the specific heat produced by the oxidation of pyrophoric metal or metal alloy is at least 1700 J/g. Preferred Components: The oxygen-containing gas is air or oxygen, preferably at a temperature of 25 degrees C. The solid hydrogen generator comprises a hydrogenated reducing component present in an amount of 40-80 wt.%, and an inorganic oxidizing component present in an amount of 20-60 wt.%. The pyrophoric metal or metal alloy has an oxidation temperature of at least 1200 K, and is nickel (preferred), magnesium, zinc, iron, aluminum, copper and/or titanium. The metal or metal alloy is present in an amount of: 0.1-4 wt.%, preferably 0.15-3 wt.%; 20-150 wt.%, preferably 23-145 wt.%; or 7-90 wt.%, preferably 8-87 wt.%. The pyrophoric metal or metal alloy is contacted with the solid hydrogen generator and covers 1-/20th, preferably 1/10th of its free surface. The metal or metal alloy is distributed within the solid hydrogen generator.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: A check valve is disposed within the container at the opening with the stopper. The stopper is opened by a strip or a screw. The reservoir comprises a combustion chamber comprising a solid product, which is in contact with the pyrophoric metal or metal alloy. The pyrophoric metal or metal alloy is: disposed adjacent to the opening so that it is brought into contact with the oxygen gas; and homogeneously distributed within the hydrogen generator. The device comprises at least one channel, preferably a capillary that is arranged within the opening for ensuring the transit of oxygen gas coming from the opening to the pyrophoric metal or alloy. The metal or metal alloy is divided into columns within the solid product, where each column opens at one of its ends near the openings so that the end of the column is contacted with the oxygen gas during the opening of the stopper. EXAMPLE - No suitable example given.