Generating Electricity from Soil

Did you know that a regular rooftop lawn can not only provide you with fresh vegetables but also serve as a source of electricity?

Scientists from the Netherlands are working on an innovative and promising project called Plant-e. This technology, in their view, aims to generate electricity through photosynthesis occurring in biological materials.

A lawn as an electricity source. Cheap and renewable plant energy can be derived using microbial fuel cell technology, arising from the natural interaction between plant roots and soil bacteria.

During photosynthesis, organic materials are formed – some of which plants do not use and are excreted through the roots into the soil. Bacteria break down this organic matter, releasing electrons as a result.

If electrodes are placed nearby, similar to what the Dutch have done, these electrons can be collected and transformed into an electrical charge. Scaling this technology up allows for simultaneous plant growth and electricity production.

Peatlands and wet meadows are ideal for generating electricity – covering over 6% of the planet, making the prospects for this new technology quite promising.

Potential. Currently in the development stage, scientists acknowledge that the power of "green" energy is relatively low but can potentially be increased eightfold. For example, a 15 sq. m urban garden can easily generate enough electricity to charge a smartphone and power a laptop. In the future, post-technology enhancement, a 100 sq. m lawn could power a household consuming approximately 2500–2800 kWh of electricity annually.

The most effective Plant-e technology will thrive in regions with a mild climate where plants grow year-round. One advantage of the system is its versatility – Plant-e can also function as a water collector or roof insulation.

Experimental setups are currently operational on the roof of a university in the Dutch city of Wageningen. Since 2015, enhanced equipment for harnessing plant energy will be installed in marshy areas and rice fields.

Other examples. With the rising cost and depletion of traditional energy sources, scientists worldwide are exploring new energy-efficient technologies. Researchers propose numerous original and unexpected solutions. One notable project is Shell's Morro da Mineira, focusing on creating a special soccer field that harnesses players' energy. This energy can be used to illuminate the field during nighttime. This project is envisioned for use not only on sports grounds but also on sidewalks, streets, driveways, and parking lots.