Latest news with #E-5008
Stuff.tv
3 days ago
- Science
- Stuff.tv
This whacky battery tech could be used in your future smart home gadgets
Despite people harping on about it (which does get rather annoying), we do need to find more sustainable energy sources. Solar, nuclear, wind, and the rest are great – all with their own benefits, uses, and disadvantages. But what about for smaller devices that don't need so much power – like your outdoor smart home lights? That's what Nova Innova is working on with its microbe-powered energy sources. The tech is still very much in its early days, but gives us a glimpse at what future smart home gadgets could look like. And there's potential for the tech to go much further. In fact, it's recently been used to light an entire Peugeot photo shoot. But how exactly does it all work? And where might you start to see it crop up in your life? Here's everything you need to know about this whacky battery tech. How does it work? The science behind this next-gen energy tech is something called a Plant Microbial Fuel Cell, or P-MFC, developed in collaboration between Nova Innova and Plant-e. Essentially, it turns the soil into a miniature all-natural power station. During photosynthesis, plants produce organic compounds. Some of these trickle out through the roots and into the soil, where hungry bacteria get to work. These microbes digest the compounds and, in the process, release electrons. Cleverly placed electrodes collect these electrons and, you've got a small but steady electric current. Play It doesn't harm the plants – they keep photosynthesising, blissfully unaware they've been conscripted into the power grid. In fact, the whole system is CO₂-negative because it locks in more carbon than it emits. There are even some tests to treat the soil to try and increase the number of microbes and therefore power. But it's still in its early days. Where might this tech be used? The Living Light Park shows this off in the most charmingly Dutch way possible. I recently went for a wander through the park in Rotterdam. It's a 35-metre boardwalk with embedded lights and sensors. As you stroll along, the sensors detect your movement, and the lights glow in response, all thanks to energy pulled from the plants beneath your feet. Local residents chose the plants, gave feedback on the lighting design, and helped shape a park that shows off the next-gen energy infrastructure. Nova Innova's vision stretches far beyond Rotterdam. This tech has powered everything from home decor – like the Living Light Lamp – to large-scale commercial events. For the launch of Peugeot's all-electric E-5008 SUV, the brand lit a photoshoot using 30 microbial fuel cells powered by a cocktail of plants, mud, water, and spent coffee grounds. And this is where the smart home angle starts to make sense. Imagine bedside lamps, wall sconces, or even motion-sensitive garden lights that don't sip electricity from the grid but pull it straight from your potted fern. It's not just a nod to the sustainable – it's a way of integrating sustainability into the fabric of your daily routine, without sacrificing function or style. Plus, since these devices would generate their own power, it lessens the strain on drawing from other sustainable energy sources. Beyond homes, there's talk of environmental sensors powered by marshlands, or emergency lighting in remote areas where running a power line would cost a fortune and then some. The tech is scalable, modular, and weirdly elegant. So yes, it may sound whacky. It kind of is. But it's also clever, green, and extremely fun.
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
World's ‘first ever' photoshoot powered by NATURE using remarkable technique – and it could be used for home appliances next
POWER PLANT World's 'first ever' photoshoot powered by NATURE using remarkable technique – and it could be used for home appliances next THE first ever photoshoot 'powered by nature' has taken place - and this is the result. A new technology has been developed which turns energy produced by plants into electricity - effectively a process of harnessing photosynthetic energy. Advertisement 3 Experts harnessed photosynthetic energy to pull it off Credit: PEUGEOT / George Williams 3 Technique was used to photograph the all-electric new PEUGEOT E-5008 Credit: PEUGEOT / George Williams 3 Image will go on display in London's Saatchi Gallery Credit: PEUGEOT / George Williams To power the lighting of the night shoot for a new car, experts buried microbial fuel cells into soil which in turn were connected to batteries to charge them. When plants photosynthesise, they produce excess organic compounds as waste which are released into the soil or water. Geo-bacteria in the soil and water digest this organic waste and release electrons – and it was this energy which was collected using the buried microbial fuel cells. Taken by specialist photographer, George Williams, the images, which will go on display in London's Saatchi Gallery, feature the all-electric new PEUGEOT E-5008. Advertisement The car maker teamed up with Dutch research and design studio Nova Innova for the shoot and spokesperson for the studio, Ermi Van Oers said: 'This first-of-its-kind shoot was a great and unique way to demonstrate what is possible with our technology. 'We hope that this technology can be scaled to help power more aspects of our lives in the future including household appliances and elements of our vehicles. 'PEUGEOT is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions, making it the perfect partner for such a project, and it has been great to work with them to bring our technology to a wider audience.' As many as 30 microbial fuel cells were used for the shoot, with 10 powered by organic waste from 11 plants with a further 10 powered using a mix of 188 litres of mud and 94 litres of water. Advertisement While the rest were powered by a mix of 60 litres of mud and two litres of used coffee grounds. Spokesperson for the automobile manufacturer, Nicola Dobson said: 'The world's first photoshoot powered by plant energy with the new E-5008 showcases PEUGEOT's commitment to innovation and adoption of new technology.' The shoot follows a study by the car maker which found 58 per cent of motorists said commitment from manufacturers to invest in green technology is important to them when buying a car. While 70 per cent revealed sustainability is significant to them when buying products generally. Advertisement Further to this, the research carried out through OnePoll of 2,000 adults who drive also found 55 per cent are more likely to buy from a brand which prioritises sustainability over one which doesn't.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
World's ‘first ever' photoshoot powered by NATURE using remarkable technique – and it could be used for home appliances next
THE first ever photoshoot 'powered by nature' has taken place - and this is the result. A new technology has been developed which turns energy produced by plants into electricity - effectively a process of harnessing photosynthetic energy. Advertisement 3 Experts harnessed photosynthetic energy to pull it off Credit: PEUGEOT / George Williams 3 Technique was used to photograph the all-electric new PEUGEOT E-5008 Credit: PEUGEOT / George Williams 3 Image will go on display in London's Saatchi Gallery Credit: PEUGEOT / George Williams To power the lighting of the night shoot for a new car, experts buried microbial fuel cells into soil which in turn were connected to batteries to charge them. When plants photosynthesise, they produce excess organic compounds as waste which are released into the soil or water. Geo-bacteria in the soil and water digest this organic waste and release electrons – and it was this energy which was collected using the buried microbial fuel cells. Taken by specialist photographer, George Williams, the images, which will go on display in London's Saatchi Gallery, feature the all-electric new PEUGEOT E-5008. Advertisement Read more about Peugeot The car maker teamed up with Dutch research and design studio Nova Innova for the shoot and spokesperson for the studio, Ermi Van Oers said: 'This first-of-its-kind shoot was a great and unique way to demonstrate what is possible with our technology. 'We hope that this technology can be scaled to help power more aspects of our lives in the future including household appliances and elements of our vehicles. 'PEUGEOT is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions, making it the perfect partner for such a project, and it has been great to work with them to bring our technology to a wider audience.' As many as 30 microbial fuel cells were used for the shoot, with 10 powered by organic waste from 11 plants with a further 10 powered using a mix of 188 litres of mud and 94 litres of water. Advertisement Most read in Tech While the rest were powered by a mix of 60 litres of mud and two litres of used coffee grounds. Spokesperson for the automobile manufacturer, Nicola Dobson said: 'The world's first photoshoot powered by plant energy with the new E-5008 showcases PEUGEOT's commitment to innovation and adoption of new technology.' The shoot follows a study by the car maker which found 58 per cent of motorists said commitment from manufacturers to invest in green technology is important to them when buying a car. While 70 per cent revealed sustainability is significant to them when buying products generally. Advertisement Further to this, the research carried out through OnePoll of 2,000 adults who drive also found 55 per cent are more likely to buy from a brand which prioritises sustainability over one which doesn't.
Business Mayor
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
World's first photoshoot 'powered by plants' takes place to capture stunning images of ele
A pioneering photoshoot, hailed as the world's first to be 'powered by nature', has successfully demonstrated an innovative method of generating energy. The groundbreaking project was a collaborative effort between Dutch research and design studio Nova Innova and PEUGEOT, with photographer George Williams capturing the remarkable images that will be exhibited at London's prestigious Saatchi Gallery. So, what's behind this revolutionary approach to energy production? The project harnessed the power of 'plant energy' by leveraging the natural process of photosynthesis, where plants utilise sunlight to grow. As plants produce organic waste, which is absorbed by the surrounding soil or water, specialist bacteria break down this waste, releasing tiny electrons in the process. To tap into this eco-friendly energy source, researchers employed microbial fuel cells in the soil, collecting the energy generated by the bacterial breakdown and storing it in batteries. These batteries were then used to power the lighting for the extraordinary photoshoot. Ermi Van Oers, a spokesperson for Nova Innova, expressed their enthusiasm for the achievement: 'This first-of-its-kind shoot was a great way to show what's possible with our technology. 'In the future, we hope this method can be scaled up to power things like household appliances and even parts of vehicles.' They added: 'It's been wonderful working alongside PEUGEOT, a company committed to sustainable innovation, to introduce this to a wider audience.' Generating the energy required for the photoshoot was an impressive feat. The team harnessed power from 30 microbial fuel cells, utilising natural materials such as plant waste, a mixture of 94 litres of water with 188 litres of mud, and even spent coffee grounds. Nicola Dobson from PEUGEOT illuminated the groundbreaking nature of the shoot: 'The world's first photoshoot powered by plant energy with the new E-5008 demonstrates PEUGEOT's dedication to embracing innovation and sustainable technology.' This initiative reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions among consumers and drivers alike. PEUGEOT's research indicates that 70% of consumers prioritise sustainability in their purchasing decisions, with 55% more inclined to support brands that are environmentally conscious. Additionally, 58% of motorists expect car manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly technologies. By combining cutting-edge science with artistry, this 'powered by nature' shoot highlights a future where sustainability and innovation work hand in hand – and the possibilities are boundless. READ SOURCE
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
World's first photoshoot 'powered by plants' captures stunning images of new electric car
A unique new project has seen plant energy used to power the lighting for a professional photoshoot, offering a whole new way of creating energy The world's first photoshoot 'powered by nature ' has taken place, showcasing a whole new way of producing energy. The creative project was carried out by Dutch research and design studio Nova Innova, in partnership with PEUGEOT. Specialist photographer George Williams was on hand to capture the first-of-its kind images, which will be displayed at London's Saatchi Gallery. So how does this new way of creating energy work? This unique project transformed 'plant energy' into electricity to power the lighting for the stunning night photoshoot by tapping into the natural energy plants create while photosynthesising, the stage where plants use sunlight to grow. During this process, plants produce organic waste that gets absorbed by the surrounding soil or water. Special bacteria in these environments naturally digest the waste, which releases tiny electrons. To capture this green power, researchers placed microbial fuel cells in the soil, which collected the energy from the bacterial breakdown and stored it in batteries. These batteries were then utilised to provide the lighting for the unique photoshoot. Ermi Van Oers, a spokesperson for Nova Innova, shared their excitement about the achievement: 'This first-of-its-kind shoot was a great way to show what's possible with our technology. In the future, we hope this method can be scaled up to power things like household appliances and even parts of vehicles." They added: "It's been wonderful working alongside PEUGEOT, a company committed to sustainable innovation, to introduce this to a wider audience.' Creating enough energy for the shoot was no small task. The team used 30 microbial fuel cells in total, powered by a variety of natural sources: organic waste from plants, 94 litres of water mixed with 188 litres of mud, and even old coffee grounds. Nicola Dobson of PEUGEOT shed some light on the significance of this innovative photoshoot for the brand: "The world's first photoshoot powered by plant energy with the new E-5008 demonstrates PEUGEOT's dedication to embracing innovation and sustainable technology." Nicola Dobson, a spokesperson for PEUGEOT, explained: 'The world 's first photoshoot powered by plant energy with the new E-5008 demonstrates PEUGEOT's dedication to embracing innovation and sustainable technology.' The project comes as more drivers and consumers call for change. A recent study by PEUGEOT found that 70% of people value sustainability when making purchases, and over half (55%) are more likely to buy from brands focused on greener practices. Meanwhile, 58% of drivers say they expect car manufacturers to invest in environmentally-friendly technology. By combining cutting-edge science with artistry, this 'powered by nature' shoot highlights a future where sustainability and innovation work hand in hand – and the possibilities are boundless.
