Should crematorium heat be used to generate power?
Taipei Mortuary Services Office, a crematorium in Taiwan has done exactly that, using heat from the ovens to power a generator that produces electricity for the crematorium office’s air-conditioning, lighting and even its café. Although the bodies themselves don’t directly provide energy, the method is still stirring up controversy on conservative Taiwan where the predominate religion is Buddhism. A Taipei city councillor has raised feelings by accusing the crematorium of insensitivity in the media. “It’s creepy that the mourners are cooled by air-conditioning powered by the bodies of their relatives being burnt downstairs,” said Councillor Chuang Ruei-hsiung.
