Brie Warner

RPL 311
1 Feb. 2016
Project #1: Planning Innovation
A new planning innovation was developed from 2009 to 2012 by and European
scientist, Dr.ir. Bert Hamelers, who explored plant-microbial fuel cells. Through
collaborative explorations, the company Plant-e was created that develops and
produces products in which living plants generate electricity. This revolutionary
technology uses photosynthesis to extract energy without damaging plants.
Opportunities for duel purposed land use can be expanded where both food and energy
are produced simultaneously in a sustainable manner. Plant-e technology aims to make
energy generation feasible worldwide where 1.2 billion people have no access to
electricity (Dansie). This sustainable innovation could change the way the world thinks
about energy production.
Plant-e technology harvests energy from plants through the process of
photosynthesis where a plant produces organic matter. Throughout this process carbondioxide is taken up while oxygen is released. A portion of the organic matter (C6H12O6)
produced is released through the plants roots where bacteria around the roots
breakdown organic matter into carbon-dioxide and water. Water production through
plants happens in two steps. Plant-e technology places a membrane into the ground to
separate these two steps. The membrane separated two carbon electrodes called an
anode and cathode. The first step occurs on the anode side where the bacteria released

produces (H+) and electrons (e-). The electrons then flow into the anode and are
transferred through a wire to a power harvester such as an LED light. The second step
of water formation uses the cathode side where electrons are released. During this

process electrons, protons, and oxygen work together to produce water (Wright). The
illustration below provides a detailed model of Plant-e technology.

Plant-e technology is not a new idea. The use of plants and photosynthesis to
extract energy dates back decades to science projects where potatoes were used to
power clocks. Although Plant-e technology is not the first technology of its kind, it is the
first technology to harness electricity from plants without damaging them. The idea of
this sustainable technology came from Dr. ir. Bert Hamelers, but was accompanied by
Marjolein Helder who researched plant energy for her masters thesis in environmental
technology. Collaborative efforts and entrepreneurship lead to the development on

Plant-e. A Plant-e technology projected called Starry Sky illuminated more than 300
LED lights in Hemburg, Netherlands. The company also sells Wi-Fi hot spots, model
chargers, and rooftop electricity modules that are all fueled from the byproducts of living
plants (Schultz).
Plant-e technology could produce 28 kilowatt-hours per year. According to the
U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average amount of electricity used by a
home in a yeas was 10,837 kilowatt-hours in 2012. This means it would take
approximately 4,000 square feet of space, the size of a large backyard for prospective.
In other areas of the world, a homes average electricity use is significantly less
compared to the U.S. This technology could bring clean energy options to areas
worldwide. The next step for Plant-e technology is the usage of existing wetlands to
generate electricity. The large-scale plant based poser plant is still in the demo stage
and needs further research and funding (Schultz).
Plant-e technology innovatively uses photosynthesis to harvest electricity
sustainably. This plant technology is not new, but is the first kind that does not damage
the plants itself. Through further research and funding, large-scale Plant-e technology
will become more feasible. Plant-e innovations has the ability to produce clean energy
for billions of people with no access to electricity.

Works Cited
Dansie, Mark. Plant-e: Plants Generating Electricity. WorldPress. 29 Dec. 2014. Web.
27 Jan. 2016.
Living Plants in Microbial Cell for Clean, Renewable, Sustainable, efficient, in-site
bioenergy production. PlantPower. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.
Schultz, Kayla. Dutch Company Powers Streetlights With Living Plants; Will Your Cell
Phone Be Next. Yes!Magazine. 21 Nov. 2014. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.
Write, Carolanne. Clean and Green- Dutch Company Power Gadgets and Street Lights
with Living Plants. Wake Up World. 2015. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.