Plan to use urine as energy source

URINE is being studied at a city university for its potential to create low-cost energy.

Researchers have developed a system to test whether it can be used in fuel cells as an alternative to flammable hydrogen or toxic methanol.

The work at Heriot-Watt University concentrates on urea, or carbamide, a mass-manufactured fertiliser and major component in human and animal urine.

The new Carbamide Power System could offer a non-toxic, low-cost, easily transportable alternative, academics said.

Urea solution is increasingly used in heavy goods vehicles to reduce harmful emissions.

Shanwen Tao and Rong Lan have been awarded 130,000 to develop their prototype.

They see a future in submarines, the military and power generation in remote areas. It could also be used to reprocess waste water, with electricity as a by-product.