INSTITUTO FUTURISTA

Researchers at Purdue University have led development of a portable "tactical" biorefinery for the U.S. Army that turns a variety of waste streams into a mixture of ethanol and methane gas, which are burned in a modified diesel engine to produce electricity. The unique hybrid design--part gasifier, part bioreactor, part generator--limits the need for diesel fuel while reducing the waste produced by soldiers in the field. Two prototypes will take part in a six-month demonstration later this year. Civilian applications are also being considered.

via: Technology Review