Islamabad( The COW News Digital )In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable energy, scientists from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the global humanitarian organization Oxfam have developed a unique toilet system that converts human urine into electricity. The project, aptly named “Pee Power,” aims to bring light and power to locations that lack access to reliable water and electricity, such as refugee camps and remote rural areas.
This innovative system relies on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) — small bio-electrochemical systems that use naturally occurring bacteria to break down the organic matter in urine. As the bacteria metabolize the compounds present in the liquid waste, they trigger a chemical reaction that releases electrons and protons. The electrons are then channeled through an external circuit, effectively generating a flow of electric current that can be stored or used immediately.
According to Professor Ioannis Ieropoulos, who is leading the research at the Bristol BioEnergy Centre, the technology has shown remarkable potential in field trials. “Urine is an endless resource, and with this technology, we are tapping into something that is otherwise considered waste. The electricity generated is enough to power LED lights, charge mobile phones, or run small electrical appliances,” he said.
The “Pee Power” project was first piloted in refugee camps and public spaces where access to lighting was a serious concern. Providing illumination through this system has not only enhanced safety, especially for women and children at night, but also contributed to improving living conditions in areas where grid electricity is non-existent or unreliable.
Researchers believe that this breakthrough could have a major impact on how the world addresses both sanitation and energy challenges simultaneously. With proper scaling, this technology could be deployed in schools, disaster-relief zones, and rural communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while promoting sustainable development.
Oxfam has expressed optimism about the project’s humanitarian potential. “This is not just a clever scientific innovation; it is a lifeline for people in crisis,” an Oxfam spokesperson noted, emphasizing how technology can bridge the gap between sanitation solutions and renewable energy needs.
If adopted globally, “Pee Power” could become a model for waste-to-energy projects worldwide, transforming one of the most common human by-products into a source of clean, renewable electricity.
