How soil batteries offer farmers dirt cheap energy? – Make the connection with EU-science
‘Make the connection with EU-science’ is a series of explanatory videos focusing on the scientific content and exploitation aspects of EU research projects.
The current video showcases SOIL2POWER: fuel cells powered by bacteria and soil can deliver electricity to agricultural fields sustainably, powering the devices needed for precision farming.
Show transcript
How can farmers grow electricity in fields?
Make the connection with EU science.
Modern farms rely on remote sensors and switches
to control systems such as precision irrigation.
But these devices need expensive batteries
that can leak hazardous chemicals.
The EU-funded SOIL2POWER built a biological battery
that generates electricity from the ground itself.
It contains soil bacteria that produce electrons
as they digest organic matter.
This charge is captured by a silk based-electrode
to power low-energy devices.
Low cost and nontoxic it allows farming technology
to be powered by the same soil that it cultivates.
Find out more at cordis.europa.eu
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