Local Nigerian newspapers, this week, were awash with news that a Nigerian scientist had obtained a patent for a seminal work in converting urine into flammable gases. With this development, the quest to identify alternative sources of energy just received it biggest boost.
The innovative process converts urine into hydrogen-ammonia rich flammable gases. The resulting combustion could provide sufficient amounts of energy for proper consumption. Ejikeme Nwosu, the scientist on the hot seat, believes the process can replace fossil fuel use in the near future.
“Trillions of litres of urine are generated annually globally with an average adult producing about 2.5 litres daily. Contrary to people’s view of urine as a waste, I see urine as the solution to our highly sought clean, renewable and affordable energy. Very soon, urine will be for sale. You are welcome to our laboratory anytime for a demo, while coming do so with a bottle or bottles of urine and watch me change it to fire,” he explained to Nigerian journalists earlier this week.
“It is obvious that our crude oil reserves will be exhausted in few decades to come. When this happens we will be forced to use other sources of fuel, but it would be more prudent to start acting prior to such state. Besides this, fossil fuel has a lot of dangers that come with it; chief among them are climatic disorders. In order to leave our world better than I met it, I ventured into research on urine and have made some notable successes that can change the world forever,” he added.
Researchers in India will be quick to defend his claims, as studies in there have led to the evolution of “The Urine Engine.” The findings were arrived at after a chemical process of electrolysis – where urine was decomposed to its constituents in order to generate hydrogen gas. It is reportedly the best fuel for engines because it poses little or no threat to the environment.
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The Indians believe this is the way to go because the energy required for urea electrolysis is 35 percent less than that the amounts for water electrolysis. Also, urea electrolysis generates 40 percent cheaper hydrogen compared to the electrolysis of water, and it does this without emitting carbon monoxide or other toxic gases that are released by the current fuel-powered engines.
Research stipulates that one litre of urine can produce six hours of electricity. This implies that an individual who passes out 2.5 liters of urine daily can provide as much as 15 hours of energy. Urine is also readily available, both from humans and animals. This guarantees a virtually endless supply of hydrogen to power engines and provide motive power for homes and industries.
Naturally, it may take some time to come up with a comprehensive model for fully harnessing this new potential energy source, and secure the interests of investors. But as global chants for alternative energy sources continue, it is a possibility that urine just might emerge the biggest energy source of the next few decades.
By Emmanuel Iruobe
