This energy source could rank No. 1

Energy-conserving technology has brought us CFLs and LEDs. But for researchers at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, the word “power” begins with pee.

These British whiz kids flushed out a way to run a number of everyday electronic devices – including cell phones, light fixtures and electric razors and toothbrushes – using “urine power.” Funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the team was able to convert urine into fuel through the use of a microbial fuel cell. The obvious hope is that these fuel cells eventually will be marketed and used to help supplement the electricity supplied to homes and commercial facilities.

“Using urine to produce electricity is about as ‘eco’ (or green and sustainable) as it gets,” said Loannis Leropoulous, an engineer on the project. “The technology allows us to turn something that was viewed as waste into something that is as useful as electricity.”

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That next step already is under way. Urine fuel cells will be used to heat new office buildings in The Hague, capital of The Netherlands. The complex, slated to open in two years, will include waterless urinals in the men’s restrooms, and the low-tech live streams they collect will be used in the fuel cells.

“If this succeeds, and studies are growing very hopeful, this can be a very significant development helping to reduce our demand for nonsustainable energy sources and accessing an organic substance that will always be available,” said Klaus Reichardt, chief executive and founder of Vista, Calif.-based Waterless Co. Inc., which makes the waterless urinals. No Johnny-come-lately, Waterless has been in business since 1991.

We’ll have further details as they leak.