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Sustainable Technology: Power Plant by Living Plant

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Dayal Bagh Educational Institute, Agra, India
  • 2Dept. of Physics and Computer science, Dayal Bagh Educational Institute, Agra, India
  • 3Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Dayal Bagh Educational Institute, Agra, India
  • 4Dept. of Applied Science (Chemistry), Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Agra College, Agra, India

Res. J. Engineering Sci., Volume 14, Issue (3), Pages 18-22, September,26 (2025)

Abstract

The demand for electricity is critical to the development of every country, emphasizing the global need for renewable, efficient, and sustainable energy sources. An innovative approach to green energy involves the use of living plants to generate electricity without causing harm to them. Living plants can produce measurable voltages capable of powering small devices, such as LED bulbs, thereby functioning as natural green generators. This paper presents a sustainable technology based on biological processes that not only generates electricity but also offers ecological benefits such as insulation, water storage, and biodiversity support. The technology harnesses electrons released by bacteria living around plant roots during the decomposition of organic matter excreted by the plant. These electrons are captured using inert electrodes placed in the soil, generating electricity without affecting plant growth. An experiment using Epipremnumaureum (money plant), copper and zinc electrodes, and simple circuitry demonstrated voltage outputs between 1.8–2.4 volts, with a peak of 2.45 volts and potential reaching up to 3 volts, along with sufficient current to intermittently power LED bulbs. Compared to thermal and nuclear power systems, this plant-based nano power plant offers a clean, low-cost, and sustainable energy alternative aligned with environmental goals.

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