Energy from…what?

We all know it’s possible to get energy from natural resources like the sun, wind, water, heat, etc. And we know about other interesting sources of energy too, like manure, food scraps, even kitchen grease. But over the years, people have come up with more unusual and just downright odd sources of energy that might surprise you.

Like the company Super Faiths in Japan – they recycle used elderly diapers into – yes, diapers – into fuel for biomass stoves. It may seem strange, but Japan’s population is aging rapidly, and Super Faiths says it’s making use of a ready source of energy. The used diapers are processed in special recycle machines that sterilize, dry and shred the diapers and turn them into fuel pellets.

Another unique source of energy? Confiscated alcohol. A Swedish biogas company called Svensk Biogas AB turns illegal booze into fuel for trucks, buses and trains. And there’s plenty of material to work with: Swedish authorities confiscate hundreds of thousands of liters of alcohol from smugglers every year. Instead of pouring it down the drain, Svensk Biogas AB puts it to good use and helps Sweden reduce its dependency on harmful fossil fuels. Who knew?