The amazing microbial fuel cell: turns poo into power

Researchers at Penn State, working in cooperation with a scientist from Ion Power, Inc., have developed a microbial fuel cell that can turn wastewater and bacteria into hydrogen. According to Penn State, the new process can get up to four times as much hydrogen straight out of the biomass than what can typically be generated by fermentation alone. But Bruce Logan, the co-inventor of the process (seen at right), doesn't think he smells a solution to the world's energy problems, saying that there's just not enough "waste biomass to sustain a global hydrogen economy."

[Thunderdome @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

...and cue Master Blaster

[iPodTodd @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Dude if that works, I'm renting myself out to small cities. Call me old-faithful.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

hah I'm just waiting until you can power your hydrogen car by taking a dump in it.

http://untitledi.com/

[RikF @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

For the love of *** (insert favourite deity here) one solution does not have to solve the global energy crisis. What we need are a combination of sources (wind, wave, biomass etc. etc.). If a solution could provide 1%, 2% even 5% of the worlds energy in a non-poluting, sustainable way then it should be applauded and pursued. I am sick of seeing the 'wind power is no good because it can't solve all our problems' arguements.

RikF

[AP @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

RikF-- no kidding. Even if all it does is provide enough energy to make dredging the pig and chicken lagoons economically viable it's a huge success.

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

There are so many solutions. Why can't there be firms for renewable energy solutions? They should be right alongside builders in the development process. You have an area, and you pick from one of the many solutions to apply to that area. Even 10% renewable, 90% unrenewable allocation in each building or neighborhood would make a planet of difference.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

It would be nice to supplement my home's energy needs everytime I flushed....

[Ralph Splash @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

We can CREATE more poo, if that's what he's looking for.

All we have to do is eat more Olestra!

[aiiee @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

now if it ran on bullshit, we'd have enough

[CountvonCarstein @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

The waste generated by six billion people is surely enough to supply a significant proportion of the world's energy needs. Besides, third world countries could really benefit. If wastewater treatment were a cash generator through power sales rather than a cash sink (ie, monthly fee for sewer service) then there would be much greater incentive to supply clean water in said third world countries. Those tin pot dictators would be saying to their subjects; "Please take a dump."

[Paulie @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

But... can it power DeLorean Time-Machine ?