Green and yellow-minded scientists from Ohio University are developing a new technology that uses a nickel-based electrode, to create large amounts of hydrogen from urine. That hydrogen could be burned or used in fuel cells. “One cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses,” said Gerardine Botte, a professor at Ohio University developing the technology. “Soldiers in the field could carry their own fuel.”

A fuel cell, urine-powered vehicle could theoretically travel 90 miles per gallon. A refrigerator-sized unit could produce one kilowatt of energy for about $5,000.

“The waste products from say a chicken farm could be used to produce the energy needed to run the farm,” said John Stickney, a chemist and professor at the University of Georgia. “It is not a solution for all our cars,” he said, “but it is the kind of process which will find many applications and will make for a greener world.”