Plants that generate energy!

What could be greener and more beautiful than getting electricity from living plants? Dutch company Plant-e has created a new technology that allows plants to generate electricity.

Plant-e develops products in which living plants generate electricity

Netherlands-based Plant-e has created a new technology that allows living plants to generate harvestable electricity. Research shows that plant growth is not harmed by the harvest of electricity. This means that the plant can keep on growing while electricity is produced at the same time.

Plant-E: Living Plants Generating Electricity

Plant-e is a young Dutch company that is focused on developing products in which electricity is generated by living plants. This innovative method of electricity production is not only friendly towards the environment, it can be widely integrated around the World.

Technology: Plant-e products are based on a technology that was developed at Wageningen University. In 2007 the technology was patented, and Plant-e was able to get the patents from the university in 2009. The technology enables them to generate electricity with living plants at practically every location where plants can grow and water is abundantly available.

The technology is based on natural processes and is safe for both the plant and the environment.

Photosynthesis: Through photosynthesis a plant produces organic matter. Part of this matter is used by the plant for its own growth, but a large part of the matter can’t be used by the plant and is excreted into the soil via the roots. In the soil, naturally occurring bacteria break down the organic matter, and release electrons in the process. The technology that Plant-e is working with makes it possible to use the electrons for electricity. Research has shown that the plants are not compromised by harvesting the electrons, so the plants can keep on growing while electricity is produced.

Plant-e has been able to generate 600 millivolts from one planter. There are several pilots schemes trying out the technology and it is to be implemented in rice paddies. This way it grows food, generates electricity and eliminates methane emissions.

What’s more, plant energy doesn’t compete with the natural landscape but enhances it. Research has shown that harvesting this electricity doesn’t harm the plants. The plants can grow happily, while you get the greenest energy.

Plant-e’s products are currently built up as modular systems, and the company is developing a system that can be applied in existing wetlands; a tube system that is placed beneath the surface of the ground in the root area of plants. 

In the modular system they bring nature to the technology, and with the tubes they  want to bring the technology to nature. Plant-e produces the Modular System in different shapes and sizes to make sure there is always a system suitable for every situation! 

Source: Plant-e.com

In summary: Why choose Plant-e?

1. Green electricity: What is more beautiful than getting electricity from living plants? Your environment is able to generate electricity while you are still able to enjoy nature.
2. Environmentally friendly: The choice for Plant-e products is an environmentally conscious and sustainable one!
3. A pretty sight: It is not only wise to choose sustainable but Plant-e products are also unique and look good.
4. Supporting a green, innovative company: We think that young and innovative companies are the future. By investing in their products and projects, they are enabled to do more research and development and bring other sustainable products to the market.