# Saltwater-Powered Lanterns The Hydra-Light PL-500 Lantern is Powered By Saltwater By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-02-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydralight References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/hydra-light-fuel-cell-lantern/41608/) & [hydra-light](http://www.hydra-light.com/) The Hydra-Light PL-500 is a high-tech [personal lantern](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outask-td2) that is powered by fuel cells rather than conventional sources of portable energy. This lantern's heart is comprised of a carbon film cathode and a special high energy-density alloy anode. When exposed to salt water, the anode begins to oxidize, causing it to release electrical current that can be exploited as a source of energy. The anode works with seawater or even water mixed with regular table salt. The problem with [regular lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camping-lantern-1) is that you tend not to use them often, but they are prone to being drained of battery or power just when you need to use them. The Hydra-Light PL-500 gets around this problem with its use of salt water, ensuring you always have peace of mind and aren't left in the dark about your lantern's usability. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Saltwater-powered Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies seeking alternative and sustainable energy sources. - **Fuel Cell Power Generation:** Opportunities for companies to develop products that harness the power of fuel cell technology. - **Sustainable Energy Solutions:** Innovation opportunity for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and offer eco-friendly solutions to consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Outdoor Gear and Equipment:** Opportunities for companies in the camping and hiking industry to offer saltwater-powered innovations to outdoor enthusiasts. - **Emergency Preparedness:** Innovation opportunity for companies in the emergency preparedness industry to offer saltwater-powered lanterns as a reliable and sustainable source of light. - **Renewable Energy:** Opportunities for companies in the renewable energy industry to explore fuel cell technology as a potential source of sustainable energy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Saltwater-Powered Lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/litepulse-ecolantern.md) - [Flickering Candle-Inspired Lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nebo-big-poppy.md) - [Power Bank Camping Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-camping-lantern.md) - [Fireplace-Inspired Campsite Lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leacco-camping-lantern.md) - [Power Bank Camping Lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nitecore-lr40-camping-lantern.md) - [Vintage-Inspired Camping Lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/max-lantern.md) - [Sustainable Light Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geolectric-lantern.md) - [Subzero Sodium-Ion Battery Flashlights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sodiumfrostglow-flashlight.md) - [Portable Solar-Powered Lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuro-lantern.md)