In Taiwan, a new charger technology claims to be able to charge phones without even being plugged into an outlet. That’s because it taps into the power of hydrogen as a fuel source, and is expected to help put Taiwan in the list of purveyor of green technologies.

Scientists from Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute recently unveiled a charger powered by hydrogen. According to source, the device can fully charge a phone within a couple of hours, although the amount of hydrogen fuel used for that span of time wasn’t mentioned. Tsau Fanghei of the research team says they “hope the hydrogen-powered device can replace current mobile phone recharge systems in 2012.”

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Tremont Electric has launched a portable energy generator that allows users to charge handheld electronic devices simply by going for a walk.

The nPower PEG, launched at last week’s 2009 CES event, works on the principle of electromagnetic induction to create a 100% renewable energy source for everything from iPods to mobile phones. To get a charge, users simply connect the PEG to their mobile device and lay it vertically, either against their hip, or in a bag, while they go for a walk or a run.

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First, I am in the promotional items business. For our industry the main purpose of gift giving is to say thank you to the clients you have done business with in the past year, and to keep your name in front of those clients so that they do business with you next year.

Second, as an Econpreneurist gift giving gives my business a chance to show off our green credentials but also - maybe - influence our clients, not all of whom are green, about becoming more green in their own businesses.

I noticed a post on Wind-up iPhone chargers from our sister site cleantechnica.com, thought it an interesting idea and I did a little checking around to notice that portable power is something that many promotional item vendors are offering this holiday season. I think this is a great idea as it meets our criteria of being green (hand-cranked or solar power) and being useful (so client will keep and use).

Here are three items I located from our promotional items database.

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A team of young Korean designers have invented a battery charger that runs on 100% renewable energy. The Febot might look a bit like a torpedo that’s gone wrong, but the in-built propellors mean that each one can generate enough energy to top up a rechargable AA battery.

Now here’s the fun bit. The Febot comes with a suction cup that allows you to attach it to pretty much any flat surface or structure. In theory, you could attach it to the outside of your window, or even the top of your car. Just imagine—a tiny little wind farm all of your own.

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When your phone is charging it's only using about 5% of the power it sucks from your outlet. That other 95% adds up to a lot of wasted energy, especially if you leave it plugged in minus the phone.

Of course you could get rid of that conventional charger all together and go wireless with Wild Charge, or opt for a solar powered charger. (Solar powered cell phones are still a little ways off.)

Soon your cell phone may even remind you to unplug. Last year, the European Commission's mobile industry task force (led by Nokia) announced that cell phones will include alerts to remind people to unplug the charger once the phone is fully charged.

Amy says: I used to be very guilty of leaving the charger plugged in. Now I've got into the habit of disconnecting the charger from the wall, then disconnecting the phone from the charger. It seems easier to remember doing it in that order rather than the other way around.

More information:
Tree Hugger

Over the past couple days, I've been hearing about a new charger, the Freeloader, that can power every gadget under, well, the sun. One of the problems associated with earlier chargers (you can see a review I did of one a year ago here) is that they're often lacking in the compatibility department. That, or you need to purchase additional dongles to use with your iPod or specific brand of phone.

The Freeloader is different because a.) it's cheap and b.) it comes with nearly everything you need to power everything you have. Sticking one of these in your backpack, glove compartment, or even as part of an emergency kit would probably serve the best purpose. According to the website, once charged this thing can power an iPod for 18 hours, a cell phone for 44 hours, PSP for 2.5 hours, a PDA for 22 hours, and much more. The Freeloader can be fully charged in as little as five hours via the sun or three hours over USB. It will then hold its charge for about three months.

ShinyShiny has a great video review of the product. You can also visit the official site for more information and ordering options. I'd encourage everyone to give solar chargers a try. You might not use them daily, but in tight situations when you need power most, their value is priceless.