Could algae hold potential as a renewable source of electricity?

Scientists in Quebec are suggesting that algae could be used to generate energy. According to their research, these aquatic plants could be capable of powering small cloud-connected electronic devices, such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.

What if some of the things usually found on our plates could one day be used to produce electricity? This is notably true of sugarcane, which is converted into “bagasse” to fuel thermal power plants. But it could also one day be the case for algae.

This is the theory developed by Quebec-based researchers at Concordia University, authors of research published in the journal Energies. They have developed an energy extraction system based on the photosynthesis process of algae. Soaked in a liquid solution, the algae were placed in photosynthetic electrical microcells, which extract electrons.

According to the researchers, these cells are capable of producing enough energy to power electronic devices. “Photosynthesis produces oxygen and electrons. Our model traps the electrons, which allows us to generate electricity. So more than being a zero-emission technology, it’s a negative carbon-emission technology: it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and gives you a current. Its only byproduct is water,” explains study coauthor, Kirankumar Kuruvinashetti, quoted in a news release.

Similar to the solar energy production system used in photovoltaic cells, this process has the advantage of being able to collect electrons continuously, without the need for direct exposure to sunlight. The concept is still in its infancy, however, and for the time being it can only be used to power low- or very low-consumption devices such as the sensors used in Internet of Things (IoT) devices (smart home automation devices, Alexa-type voice-controlled devices, health trackers, etc.).

The study’s authors believe, however, that further research and funding to explore this avenue could one day give rise to “a viable, affordable and clean power source in the future”. – AFP Relaxnews