Joanna Zelman writes on the Huffington Post:
Pee Power. It’s not a game created by first grade boys. Rather, it’s a new green technology.
The Guardian reports that Ohio University’s Gerardine Botte has invented a way to create hydrogen fuel from urine. Ammonia and urea, two compounds found in urine, are also a source for hydrogen. Placing an electrode in the wastewater and applying a current creates hydrogen gas.
The company that has commercialized “pee power” is called E3 Clean Technologies. Their “ammonia electrolysis” process is referred to as GreenBox technology. The GreenBox is expected to be ready by the end of next year. The technology will be targeted towards areas with large groups of people, such as city buildings, offices, and stadiums. Botte reports that an office building of about 300 people can generate two kilowatts of power… it’s unclear how much power could be generated if office managers invested in more water coolers.
Beyond generating power, Botte hopes that the new technology will also reduce animal feedlots’ pollution. She estimates that 1,000 cows could generate up to 50 kilowatts of power with their urine.
Read More: Huffington Post