I recall a similarly researched piece on 60 minutes about cold fusion some years ago...years later found to be a fabrication.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC's) have to be brought up to a compararatively high temperature before the electrical conductivity of the oxide electrolyte drops to a level low enough to function.
The same reason you need a match or spark to light a gas burner or gas grill. The oxygen won't combine with the fuel unless the temperature is raised high enough to start the reaction. Afterward the reaction is self-sustaining as long as the fuel and oxygen comes in.
I didn’t see the story but am familiar with the technology.
First, the commercial box produces enough electricity to run dozens of households.
Second, the fuel cell is only part of the entire unit. There are additional components to deal with fuel conditioning and delivery and another set of components to deal with heat management. Fuel cells produce DC current so there is going to be an inverter and additional electrical components.
Why does your car engine need a battery to get it started?? I have no idea if this “invention” is real or not....but, jump-starting is standard in many devices.
What do you think generates the power in NASA shuttles? Fuel cells - the same as this gentleman is trying to skinny down so it can be commercially. You could buy a fuel cell right now to power your home - the same one NASA buys, but it would cost you several million.
As far as needing energy to start it - ever try starting a car without a battery?