# Electricity-Generating Urinals These Outdoor Public Urinals Use Urine to Create Power By Joey Haar | Published 2016-07-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-public-urinals References: [sciencedaily](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160706092216.htm) & [agenciasinc.es](http://www.agenciasinc.es/en/News/Public-urinal-generates-electricity-from-urine) Male attendees at Glastonbury, a huge music festival in England, recently found a surprise at the outdoor public urinals. Developed by the [Bristol BioEnergy Centre](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/podback) (BBiC), some of Glastonbury's urinals were equipped with technology that turned users' urine into usable electricity. These outdoor public urinals make use of the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC), "a technology that can directly convert organic waste into electricity," according to the BBiC -- organic waste that includes urine. The urinals can currently generate enough electricity to power the LED tubes that light them. The Glastonbury installation is only the beginning, however. BBiC's research team is collaborating with [Oxfam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbour-2) to use the urinals in underdeveloped areas such as those within India and Africa. As the technology improves, the BBiC hopes to generate electricity powerful enough to light the interior and exterior of sanitary facilities, thus improving safety for the women and children who use them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Microbial Fuel Cell Technology:** The use of microbial fuel cell technology to convert organic waste, such as urine, into usable electricity. - **Energy-generating Sanitary Facilities:** The development of sanitary facilities that can generate electricity from organic waste, improving safety and accessibility. - **Alternative Energy Sources:** The exploration of alternative energy sources, such as urine-powered electricity, for sustainable power generation. ### Where This Applies - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can explore the potential of microbial fuel cell technology for power generation. - **Sanitary Facilities:** The sanitary facilities industry can incorporate energy-generating capabilities to enhance safety and efficiency. - **Humanitarian Aid:** The humanitarian aid industry can utilize urine-powered electricity in underdeveloped areas to improve access to electricity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Non-Invasive Urine Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u-scan.md) - [Outdoor Pee Funnel Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/save-a-tree-pee.md) - [Self-Powered Shower Heads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ung-water-enhancer.md) - [Urban Solar Charging Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovia.md) - [Festival-Focused Toilet-Sharing Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-toilet.md) - [Illuminated Public Artful Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiroo-east-park.md) - [Compact Portable Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clesana-x1-camping-toilet.md) - [Water-Free Telescoping Toilet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clesana-x1.md)