A fuel cell (20) can be constructed to be generally formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The fuel cell has a porous central core (22) of reticulated vitreous aluminum that is formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The porous central core serves to distribute oxidant throughout the fuel cell. A cathode (23) is situated coaxially around the porous central core, and has a catalytic layer (24) on the outer side. A solid polymer electrolyte (25) is situated coaxially around the cathode and in intimate contact with the catalytic layer. An anode (27) is situated coaxially around the electrolyte, and a second layer of catalytic material (26) is situated between the electrolyte and the anode. A fuel chamber (28) is situated coaxially around and in intimate contact with the anode and arranged to distribute fuel throughout the fuel cell.