Abstract: A novel class of energy-generating chemical processes or reactions uses cryogenically Prepared and stored materials exhibiting volcanic ground states having lifetimes exceeding several seconds. Energy generation is provided through activation of cryogenically prepared and stored material characterized by a volcanic ground potential surface in which its lowest rotation-vibration level has a lifetime sufficiently long to permit practical storage and subsequent energy release. Cryogenic preparation and storage provides that the material is kept in these lowest rotation-vibration levels, thereby avoiding thermodynamic population of the higher levels which are short-lived and therefore not suitable for practical use. In one embodiment, the He .sub.2.sup.++ v=0, J=0 level has been found to have a lifetime of 220 minutes making He.sub.2.sup.++ an ideal candidate for a fuel in which laser-induced fragmentation of He.sub.2.sup.++ into He.sup.+ +He.sup.