Fruit Waste to Electricity

Date:May 5, 2023

Country: Canada

Application

• Sustainable Energy: Generates clean electricity from fruit waste using microbial fuel cells, reducing reliance on traditional power sources.

Description

Researchers at the University of British Columbia are developing technology to convert fruit waste into electricity using microbial fuel cells. The process involves electroactive microbes breaking down fruit waste into sugars and smaller molecules, producing bioelectricity. Although still in the developmental stage, this method holds promise for generating clean, sustainable energy from food waste. The project aims to enhance energy production and apply this technology on a commercial scale.

Pathway Description:

The process involves using microbial fuel cells, where fruit waste is placed in an anaerobic anode compartment. Electroactive microbes break down the organic matter, converting carbohydrates into soluble sugars and acetate. These microbes release electrons and protons, which combine with oxygen to produce bioelectricity. The process generates clean energy, with the efficiency depending on the type of fruit waste used.