Human waste to heat Manchester homes

Gas extracted from human waste could be used to power thousands of homes in Manchester, it has been revealed.

The £4.3 million scheme is being developed by United Utilities and will be based at the Davyhulme wastewater works.

It is thought to be the first project of its kind to be rolled out in the UK.

Initially the initiative will provide power for around 500 homes, although there is potential to extend this.

Caroline Ashton, biofuels manager at Unitied Utilities, commented: "Sewage treatment is a 24-hour process so there is an endless supply of biogas. It is a very valuable resource and it's completely renewable."

Biogas is produced when wastewater is broken down during the anaerobic digestion process. The substance can then be converted into biomethene, which is similar to natural gas.

In related news, the government announced last week that several organisations including GWE Biogas are set to receive funding to create energy from organic waste.

Written by Claire Manning