Algae energy

The Latro Algae Lamp uses algae to transform carbon dioxide into light.

Eindhoven-based designer Mike Thompson has designed the Latro Algae Lamp that uses algae as a power source.

This design draws on scientific discoveries made in 2010 by scientists from Yansei and Stanford University. The discoveries make it possible for an electrical current to be taken from algae during photosynthesis.

The Latro Algae Lamp works as a hanging device that draws energy from a glass chamber of algae. Sunlight, carbon dioxide and water is what the algae need to survive, so by simply breathing into the algae chamber one can allow the energy production process to begin.

The generated energy is stored in a battery until it is needed to power the lamp at night.