An apparatus for the generation of electricity that may be in a "standby" mode for long periods of time, i.e. many years. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell may include at least one of the following features or components: a membrane, and/or storage tanks or cells for hydrogen and oxygen, and/or an "inertial" switch, which may optionally be assembled in close proximity to a membrane. The inertial switch, when activated, may rupture the membrane and allow the hydrogen and oxygen to mix in a fuel cell.