Scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (part of the US Department of Energy) discovered how to convert poop from sewage water into a bio oil that is capable of being used for fuel. This is not the first example of human waste being used to generate power, but the technology could provide an alternative to crude oil in North America and have huge ramifications. The hydrothermal liquifaction process (HTL) developed by PNNL also takes just minutes. This bio oil solution not only produces fuel, it also decreases waste and is therefore, a more environmentally friendly approach to obtaining fuel.
The first operational HTL plant is scheduled to open in 2018 in Vancouver. PNNL hopes other waste management facilities across America will open plants too.
Feces-Converted Fuel
This Crude Bio Oil is Generated From Human Waste Found in Sewage Water
Trend Themes
1. Sewage-waste-to-fuel - The process of converting sewage waste into bio oil for fuel can disrupt the traditional crude oil industry.
2. Hydrothermal-liquifaction-technology - The development of hydrothermal liquifaction technology opens up opportunities for innovative waste management systems.
3. Environmentally-friendly-fuel-production - The use of bio oil derived from sewage waste can revolutionize the fuel production industry with a more sustainable approach.
Industry Implications
1. Waste Management - The waste management industry can explore the implementation of hydrothermal liquifaction technology to convert sewage waste into valuable bio oil.
2. Oil and Gas - The oil and gas industry should embrace the potential disruption caused by sewage waste-derived bio oil as an alternative to traditional crude oil.
3. Alternative Energy - The alternative energy industry can benefit from the development of sewage waste-to-fuel processes, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.