Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny bio-photovoltaic (BPV) organisms that they claim could be a new source of renewable energy. The two-cell model they created has five times the power density of their previous design, and uses the photosynthetic properties of microorganisms to convert light into electricity. In this study, published in Nature Communications, researchers from Cambridge's Department of Chemistry used these cells as part of an experiment on how plants can use sunlight for energy production. This development means the system has potential applications in remote rural areas that have plentiful sunlight but no grid electricity.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny bio-photovoltaic (BPV) organisms that they claim could be a new source of renewable energy. The two-cell model they created has five times the power density of their previous design, and uses the photosynthetic properties of microorganisms to convert light into electricity. They have also separated the power generation from delivery systems, meaning the charge can be stored during the day for use at night. This development means the system has potential applications in remote rural areas that have plentiful sunlight but no grid electricity.