In a quest to develop renewable energy for the remote populations of the Amazon rainforest, researchers in Peru have developed a "Plant Lamp," or "Plantalámpara," that is powered by the energy released by plants.

Like Us on Facebook

Feeding off of the energy stored in the soil that plants release as they grow, researchers at the country's Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC) were able to power a high-illumination LED lamp for two hours per day.

"We put the plant and soil into a wooden plant pot together with a previously established and properly protected irrigation system," said Elmer Ramirez, a professor of Energy and Power Engineering at UTEC, and leader of the research team.

"Then, inside the pot we place the energy generation system that we created which stores soil and electrodes capable of converting plant nutrients into electric energy," he added

The UTEC team, which was comprised of a teacher and eight students, came up with the idea when trying to come with renewable energy solutions for those living in remote areas of Peru - especially in the Amazon rain forest where there is a shortage of electric energy.

In particular, the team was looking to help the indigenous community of Nuevo Saposa in the Ucayali region, which is home to the Shipibo Conibo ethnic group. Ucayali has one of the lowest rates of access to electricity in the country; however, the area is surrounded by vast swathes of vegetation rich in flora, which makes it an ideal beneficiary of the research.

"We made proper use of the Amazon region's own natural resources such as the soil and plants, in harmony with the environment without any impact whatsoever on the forest," said Ramirez.

So far 10 "plant lamp" prototypes have been donated to families in the community.

"We are positive that this will result in a better quality of life for community families," said Jessica Ruas, UTEC's marketing director. "By using the Plantalámpara, they will have access to renewable energy to provide light to their homes ... and with this, contribute to the self-sustainability of the population."

TagsPlant-Powered Lamp Lights Up the Amazon, plant lamp, researchers in Peru have developed a plant lamp, Plantalámpara, Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, UTEC, high-illumination LED lamp, energy released by plants, renewable energy source, renewable energy solutions, Nuevo Saposa, Ucayali, Shipibo Conibo, Elmer Ramirez, professor of Energy and Power Engineering at UTEC, Amazon, Research