Museum has flush of inspiration
July 16, 2004
London's Science Museum could use its toilets to help power its building and cut electricity bills.
Management at the museum estimate recycling toilet waste could generate 1,530 kilowatt hours from its three million visitors annually.
The museum is considering diverting the waste from its toilets to tanks.
There, the museum will get it processed and burnt as fuel or it may get it to produce power using a microbial fuel cell.
Museum boss Jon Tucker said: "With free admission it would be a great way for visitors to give something back and help keep the overheads down."
Saying the museum was looking at the feasibility of the scheme, Mr Tucker said: "We have almost three million visitors each year to the Science Museum and have huge electricity bills.
"Poo power is certainly something I would consider if it were practical.
"As with all energy sources, you have to make the most of what is available and we certainly have an abundance of visitors - and almost all of them use our toilets."
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