Grace Omachoko
Four Nigerian teenage girls have unveiled a groundbreaking invention of a generator powered by urine, capable of producing six hours of electricity from just one litre of urine.
Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola, Faleke Oluwatoyin, and Bello Eniola showcased their innovative generator at the annual Maker Faire Africa event in Lagos.
According to the girls, the idea of using urine as fuel was inspired by a tragic incident where a family lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a conventional generator. Determined to find a safer alternative, the girls embarked on a journey to develop a sustainable power source.
Under the guidance of their science teacher, Olaide Lawal, the girls experimented with various materials before settling on urine as the raw material for their generator. They designed a system consisting of an electrolytic cell, filters, pipes, and a gas storage tank to convert urine into hydrogen, which then powers the generator.
Despite facing initial setbacks, including an explosion during their first experiment, the girls persisted and eventually succeeded in creating a functional urine-powered generator. Their invention gained national and international recognition, earning them awards and attracting the interest of the Lagos State government.
The girls expressed gratitude to their school, Doregos Private Academy, for providing them with the necessary support and resources to pursue their innovative idea.