From the comforts of today's modern home, it is hard to believe that there are still households around the world that do not have access to electricity. Some of these are located in remote areas or impoverished locations, while some have been ravaged by calamities such as storms. Researchers from the Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC) in Peru recently introduced a new technology that seeks to solve this problem: a plant-powered LED lamp.
Dubbed simply as the "plant lamp," the technology makes use of bacteria called "geobacters" released by a plant on the soil as it grows. These bacteria have the capability to produce electrons, which is then captured through a metal grid in a planter, according to Engadget. Each planter setup is capable of storing energy that can power up to two-hours of bright LED light, enough for children to finish their homework for the night. The lamp is also considered a more attractive option to using kerosene as fuel because it is cheaper and less unpleasant.
UTEC has already developed 10 working protoypes, and these are currently being tested in the community of Nuevo Saposa in Peru, which has incredibly limited electrical facility, Gizmodo reported. Each lamp setup is bulky, owing to the growing plant and soil, noted Digital Trends. However, it is still considered an innovative alternative energy project, especially for countries that do not have the resources to generate adequate electricity.
