An apparatus for producing hydrogen from an electrolyte solution, in particular an aqueous solution, is described. The apparatus includes a hydrogen-developing body having an electrolyte-contacting surface. The electrolyte-contacting surface of the hydrogen-developing body includes regions formed from magnesium, Mg, zinc, Zn, aluminium, Al, or alloys thereof alternating with regions formed from ferrum, Fe, or a ferrous alloy, Fe alloy. The apparatus may further include means for accumulating hydrogen which has developed on the surface of the body.