The invention relates to a solid composition which can decompose with the generation of hydrogen according to a self-sustaining combustion reaction after initiation of this reaction by an appropriate heat source, this composition being characterized in that it comprises an alkali metal borohydride or alkaline earth metal borohydride and a perchlorate-based oxidizing salt corresponding to the general formula SClO.sub.4 in which X represents the NH.sub.4 group, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.