Navy Aims For Fuel Cell That Runs On 'Mud'

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has decided to develop microbial fuel cells as part of its clean fuel efforts.

The fuel cells convert naturally occurring fuels and oxidants in the marine environment into electricity and could be used for long-term operation of unmanned underwater vehicles, in-water sensors and maritime surveillance sensors, agency officials said.

Other ONR officials put it simpler: Think of it as a battery that runs on mud.

The fuel cells utilize...