Imagine a farm where the very soil beneath our feet powers the technology that makes agriculture more productive and sustainable. This is not science fiction, but a reality being pioneered by a UK startup called Bactery. By harnessing the power of bacteria in soil, Bactery’s innovative soil-rechargeable batteries promise to supply farms with cheap, sustainable energy. Let’s dive into how this exciting technology works and its potential to revolutionise agriculture and combat climate change.
How Do Soil-Powered Batteries Work?
Bactery’s soil-powered batteries are built on the concept of ‘soil microbial fuel cells’ (SMFCs). Here’s how they work: Carbon-based electrodes are placed in the soil and connected to an external circuit. Certain microorganisms in the soil produce electrons as they consume organic compounds. These electrons are captured by the electrodes, creating a flow of electricity. Essentially, it’s a way to harvest clean energy from natural chemical reactions happening right under our feet.
The research behind these SMFCs began in 2019, led by Dr. Jakub Dziegielowski during his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath. Initial tests were conducted on a water filtration system in Brazil, and now, Dr. Dziegielowski is scaling up the technology to generate more electricity, tailored to the biological processes in the soil.
Benefits for Farmers and the Environment
One of the most exciting aspects of Bactery’s soil-powered batteries is their potential to transform agriculture. Modern farms rely heavily on data to make informed decisions about crop management, irrigation, and resource use. Sensors and internet-connected devices are essential for collecting this data, but they need a reliable power source. Traditional options like chemical batteries and solar panels have their drawbacks—they can be expensive, weather-dependent, and require regular maintenance.
Bactery’s soil-powered batteries offer a sustainable and low-maintenance alternative. These batteries can last over 25 years and cost just £25 (€30) per unit, with no maintenance required. By providing a continuous, reliable power source, they can keep sensors and other devices running 24/7, regardless of weather conditions. This helps farmers monitor their fields more effectively, leading to better crop yields and more efficient use of resources.
“We are removing the barrier to generating that data by creating a sustainable way to power sensors, and making them always-on, cheap, low-maintenance, and low-impact,” says Professor Mirella Di Lorenzo, a director at Bactery and a chemical engineering professor at the University of Bath.
A Step Towards Climate-Friendly Agriculture
Beyond their practical benefits for farmers, soil-powered batteries represent a significant step forward in the fight against climate change. Traditional energy sources for farms, including fossil fuels and disposable batteries, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. By contrast, soil-powered batteries are entirely clean and renewable, leveraging the natural processes occurring in the soil without adding any pollutants.
As we face the increasing impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and resource scarcity, innovations like Bactery’s batteries are crucial. They not only help reduce the carbon footprint of farming but also make agricultural practices more resilient and adaptable.
The Road Ahead
Bactery is still refining its prototypes, with plans to start small-scale production in the next 12 months and launch a commercial product by 2026. The journey from research to a market-ready product has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding for the team.
“Bringing our product to this stage and putting theory into practice through several years of research has been a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding experience,” says Dr. Dziegielowski. “I am excited to see the company make a positive difference in agriculture, and in other sectors.”
As Bactery moves forward, the potential applications of soil-powered batteries extend beyond agriculture. They could be used in various sectors requiring sustainable and reliable power sources, further amplifying their positive impact on the environment and society.
In summary, soil-powered batteries are an innovative solution poised to revolutionise farming and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of nature, we can take significant strides towards combating climate change and ensuring food security for generations to come.