From plants to power: innovative energy technology presented at Argotti

Visitors to the Argotti Botanic Gardens in Floriana were introduced to an unusual source of renewable energy as Plant-e demonstrated how electricity can be generated from living plants. 

The event, From Photosynthesis to Power Grids: Harnessing the Energy of Plants, was held at Argotti, bringing together the Festival of ideas, organised by the Culture Directorate and the Science in the City, organised by the Malta Chamber of Scientists and a number of partners including the University of Malta. Two public lectures were held on Wednesday 23 September.

Dr Marjolein Helder, Thor Koning and Junya Nakasagi, researchers from Dutch clean-tech company Plant-e, presented technology designed to produce electricity while plants continue to grow. The system makes use of organic matter naturally released into the soil by plants, with microorganisms helping convert this material into electrical energy.

On Friday 25 September and Saturday 26 September, participants had the opportunity to meet the scientists behind the technology, learn more about how plants and bacteria work together to produce electricity, and discuss the potential of plant-based energy systems as part of a more sustainable future.

The event also brought together science and art, with Marina Farina carrying out a live painting during the evening. Visitors could also view a display of botanical drawings by Nina Gatt, adding an artistic interpretation of plant life to the scientific programme.

Members of the public were also invited to engage directly with Malta’s indigenous plants through a painting activity, further connecting scientific discovery with creativity and the natural environment.

The Plant-e event focused particularly on the intersection between biological processes, innovation and sustainability, while the artistic elements offered visitors another way of exploring and appreciating the importance of plant life.

Through events such as the Argotti session, organisers sought to encourage discussion about emerging technologies while giving the public the chance to encounter scientific research, art and Malta’s botanical heritage in an informal setting.