Ammonia production from waste: Nigerian R&D acquired by Hydrofuel

Canada-based Hydrofuel has announced the acquisition of Lumos Laboratories. The Nigerian R&D organisation has developed technology to convert urine to a hydrogen-rich, flammable gas mixture. The potential products of the process include hydrogen (via purification), ammonia, fertilisers, cooking/heating fuels and electricity generation. Lumos intends the technology to be used in locations that lack access to a centralised sewage system (improving sanitation), or in locations where households rely on solid cooking/heating fuels or diesel-powered generators (reducing emissions & improving air quality). Lumos is already rolling out pilot units in partnership with the Nigerian Prison Authority. Under the terms of the acquisition, Hydrofuel will support the commercialisation of this technology.

This acquisition deal with Hydrofuel Canada…will offer a wonderful platform to achieve our dream of making clean, affordable, renewable hydrogen-ammonia energy widely available, while reducing the health impacts of untreated waste in our community.

Lumos CEO Ejikeme Patrick Nwosu in Hydrofuel’s official press release, 21 July 2022

Wastewater & animal waste

Ammonia recovery from waste is a familiar topic for Ammonia Energy readers. Last December we explored four university R&D projects: vacuum stripping of wastewater, ammonia recovery from pig waste & poultry waste, and electrolysis of wastewater & seawater. Last March, a collaboration was launched between Organics Group, Coventry University and Severn Trent in the UK to investigate hydrogen recovery from sewage. And, at conferences past, we’ve had a variety of wastewater electrolysis projects presented by Gerri Botte (formerly Ohio University, now at Texas Tech University). The space continues to evolve, and we watch with keen interest.