Living crops: next sustainable power source?

The Plant-e technology captures energy from the natural processes of water-based plant life. Plants use photosynthesis and waste products are delivered into the waterlogged soil. Micro-organisms break down this material and release electrons that can be used to produce an electrical charge. According to the researchers from the University of Wageningen the growth of the plant isn’t compromised by the technique.

After developing its product in the lab, the researchers have successfully piloted Plant-e using a rooftop garden on at Wageningen University. They also used it to power the lights of a bridge. As well as providing an urban area with a garden to grow food, the 15m² plant bed was also able to power a smartphone.

The future vision of plant-e are energy farms. Imagine multiple connected energy farms on city rooftops to help power buildings. Could this be the future of energy? For more in-depth info watch the embedded video.

See also Plant-E