Hydrogen is a fuel which many companies are working towards – when burnt, it gives off just energy and water making it an environmentally friendly option. However, the problem with hydrogen is that most of the hydrogen produced today is actually generated from fossil fuels.

However, researchers at Pennsylvania State University have come up with a nifty solution that may actually kill two birds with one stone – they have found a way to create hydrogen from biodegradable rubbish. First announced in 2005, the technology can take organic matter from plants, liquid waste from sewers or breweries, and selected waste from industrial processing plants and put it into a specially designed reactor. Bacteria is then applied to the mixture which help to break the matter down – a process which releases hydrogen gas.

A low voltage does need to be supplied to the bacteria in order for hydrogen to be generated however burning some of the hydrogen produced by the bacteria produces the electricity required.

Researchers are claiming that their process is as efficient as current hydrogen plants and they are hoping for pilot tests to start soon. The scientists are not resting on their laurels and are continuing to improve the technology, focusing on improving the hydrogen production rate and lowering the cost of materials needed for the reactors.

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