There is now a virtual explosion in the use of portable electronics for the transfer and manipulation of voice, video and data. Today, the primary power source is rechargeable Li-ion batteries, but such batteries are not likely to be able to provide the required power for next-generation portable electronics. Fuel cells are the only technology that can provide the power required for the future. Micro fuel cells enabled by single-wall carbon nanotubes appear to be the best route to meet this opportunity.