Taking the piss: using human waste to generate power

Now, here's a project that I reckon has value beyond being amusingly disgusting. Not only is it very eco-friendly, if it's extended it might mean I can enjoy a debate-free steak.

To explain: Thiruneer Malai district near Chennai in India is using a bio-gas plant to channel the methane from treated human waste for power, and using this to run the streetlights. There are plans to investigate the use of animal waste as well, which might just mean that the whole vegetarian / vegan cow's-methane -causing-climate-change thing will come to and end. Of course, some Indians might not be too thrilled with me suggesting that we use a system they've developed to kill cows... Eek. Anyway, steering away from getting myself into that creek without a paddle, you can watch a video that explains the special - and apparently, thankfully, not smelly - recycling process here.

[via Gizmodo]