Previously, we discussed the concept of green power generated by plants. Today, we want to introduce you to a groundbreaking Spanish company that is leading the way in energy innovation: bioenergy derived from the plant world. They have unveiled a cutting-edge biobattery model that utilizes a community of microorganisms to produce a small electric current. In addition to providing power, this technology also offers other benefits such as temperature regulation and a reduction in CO2 emissions.
This article will cover the following topics:
How a biobattery functions
Biobatteries have been around for a while, with their potential first gaining attention in the 1970s. These batteries rely on electrogenic microorganisms—bacteria that have the ability to generate electricity as part of their metabolic processes. Similar to traditional batteries, biobatteries consist of a positively charged terminal (cathode) and a negatively charged terminal (anode). When these bacteria metabolize substances like glucose and respire, they release electrons and protons which are captured by the terminals.
Biobatteries offer a sustainable method for generating energy in environments rich in organic material and the right microbial populations. Commonly used microorganisms include E. coli and Shewanella oneidensis, also known as the “electric bacterium.” However, commercial biobatteries have faced challenges such as limited renewable energy output and concerns regarding device stability, leading to contamination and decreased efficiency.
Real-world uses of biobatteries
An intriguing development comes from a Spanish company that introduced its biobattery model in 2022. Similar to previous biobattery projects, they encountered issues with device failure when exposed to the elements. The solution was to create a “bacteria hotel,” an environment that supports electrogenic or electrophilic microorganisms naturally found in the environment.
The company’s primary model consists of a terrestrial panel integrated with an underground irrigation system. This innovation allows for essential nutrients and fertilizers to be delivered to the base through irrigation and rainwater, where bacteria in microbial cells break down organic matter and release electrons at the same time.
According to the manufacturer, a 7×7 square meter panel can produce 15 Wh/day, enough to power six small light fixtures or a large lighting fixture with motion sensors. Additionally, they offer digital panels for real-time or remote monitoring of electricity production and battery health.
This technology, priced similarly to traditional green roofs, has the potential to illuminate urban parks and gardens while powering IoT devices like air pollution meters.
The first biobatteries have already been installed in office buildings, parks, hotels, and even Silicon Valley’s 21st Century Monument. They can also be seamlessly integrated into urban furniture, turning plant-adorned benches into cellphone charging stations. The company has also introduced other technologies, including a system that uses plants’ sensitivity to electric current as switches—simply touching their leaves can turn on or off lights and other devices.
Benefits of biobatteries
The appeal of biobatteries lies in their eco-friendliness and sustainability, ensuring continuous electricity generation. In addition to these primary advantages, the manufacturer claims that integrated irrigation can lead to up to 50% water savings, with a decrease in surface temperatures of up to 4ºC and a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 334.4 grams per square meter annually.
If you want to delve deeper into the world of biobatteries or biological batteries, you can read an article that delves into the technology and discusses a new generation of origami batteries. There are also other methods of generating electricity on a small scale and in a renewable manner, such as triboelectricity.
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