THE TECHNOLOGY

Plant-e develops products in which living plants generate electricity. To make this possible, Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (P-MFC) technology is used.

This technology was developed at Wageningen University and was patented in 2007. Plant-e is now the patent holder and is continuously working on further research and product development.

Applications

HOW IT WORKS

A plant produces organic material through photosynthesis. Part of this organic material is used by the plant for its own growth, but part is not used.

This remaining part is excreted through the roots in the soil. In the soil, around the roots of the plant, bacteria live that break down the organic material. In this degradation process, electrons are released as a waste product.

The P-MFC technology ensures that we can use these electrons as electricity.

Step-by-step

  • Under the influence of sunlight, plants make organic material (sugars) and oxygen from water and CO2. This is called photosynthesis.
  • This organic material is transported throughout the plant.
  • Part of this organic material is not used by the plant and secreted by the roots.
  • Bacteria that naturally surround the roots break down this organic material, releasing electrons and protons.
  • The electrons are collected in the anode (the minus pole) of our plant battery.
  • The electrons flow through the wire and can be used as electricity. A smart chip enables us to increase the voltage and, for example, to keep lights on!
  • To make electrons flow, you also need a plus pole, the cathode. There they come in contact with oxygen from the air and protons from step 4 and react to water.

ENERGY OF THE FUTURE

We are working on the development of P-MFC technology. This also means that we are constantly researching new things and that the potential for the technology unfolds during this research.

Our green vision also focuses on what we consider possible in the future with the technology and products below.

Applications

Our technology provides power with the following applications.

Sensors

Sensors can be placed in remote areas that communicate about the status of a crop, the soil and the environment. These sensors may be controlled by electricity generated by the relevant crop. So sensors washed before and through.

Application in remote areas

There are still places in this world where kerosene lamps are used for lighting, for example for studying. It is precisely in such places that a small LED light can make a big difference. A colleague of ours once said that Plant-e electricity may have been a small drop in the ocean for many. However, for his village (a remote village in Indonesia) it would be a completely new ocean.

Reduction of methane emissions

Methane gas is a strong greenhouse gas. There is reason to further investigate the integration of Plant-e technology in wet nature areas and the methane emissions of those areas. Integrating our technology can reduce methane emissions from rice paddies by up to 50%, helping to combat global warming.

Wastewater treatment

Part of the waste water can be 'pre-purified' by plants. By integrating Plant-e technology into this chain, electricity can be produced at the same time as the water is purified..

Benefits

It is CO2 negative

Plants consume more CO2 than they emit. As a result, electricity generated with living plants is the only one that is CO2 negative! So that is very positive!

It's green

It has been shown that green in the environment, whether this is outside or inside, has a positive influence on people. Moreover, green contributes to a pleasant (indoor) climate.

It's durable

We are constantly looking for the most sustainable materials for all our products. Plastic we use is always recycled and all materials we use are inert. This means that the materials we place in nature will not dissolve there or affect nature. Our Plant-e systems can therefore be fully taken back and recycled if necessary.

Multiple land use possible

A Plant-e installation does not detract from nature reserves, but adds something. An example of this Multiple use of space: In addition to food production, a rice field will have the added value of (decentralized) electricity production.