A Hydrocarbon Heaven profiles Nick Abson, an English fuel-cell developer who’s been working for decades to create systems that convert everyday organic items – everything from dead leaves to chicken waste – into usable energy. Neither scientist nor engineer, Abson’s tools and materials are nearly as simple as his energy sources, his idea being to ‘make something that anyone can make’. His ultimate goal is complete energy freedom, in which everyone is able to convert the organic waste around them into electricity.
A fuel-cell developer has a plan to allow anyone to convert organics into energy
Director: Jason Taylor
Website: The Source Project

videoPoverty and development
In a changing economy, Indian farmers turn to a different crop: copper
5 minutes

videoEngineering
Meet the man bent on powering the world with vortexes
6 minutes

videoEcology and environmental sciences
In an ancient English rainforest, John creates charcoal and cultivates growth
12 minutes

videoHistory of science
Energy is like children’s toys: often hiding out of sight, but never actually lost
3 minutes

videoSubcultures
Meet eccentric DIY tech innovator and world record holder Collin Furze
3 minutes

videoBiology
When medicine offers no relief, a biohacker begins a radical self-experiment
12 minutes

videoChildhood and adolescence
To fight a nearby nuclear plant, 11-year-old Sam must win his own ethical battle
23 minutes

videoRituals and celebrations
From roaring fire and molten glass an artist creates a healing ritual
13 minutes

videoChemistry
Obsession and electricity: a scientist chases the origins of life in the lab
16 minutes