The light of the sun provides energy for life. But maybe something else is possible? In the December issue, bild der Wissenschaft reports on how researchers and developers want to make better use of and optimize photosynthesis strategies in order to advance agriculture and energy supply. This requires deep insights and interventions in the biological processes. The cover story is rounded off by a look at the use of artificial light in so-called vertical farming.
It grows green and blooms, it creeps and floats – the lush vegetal and ultimately also animal life on our planet is based on the power of light: it provides energy for photosynthesis. In this ancient patent of nature, water is broken down with the help of light-absorbing molecules and its components then react with carbon dioxide to form the energetic substances of life. Because of this fundamental importance, photosynthesis has long been in the focus of science: Researchers are trying to fathom its processes more and more precisely and make them more usable. These processes could serve to generate climate-neutral energy and feed the growing world population, so the hope is.
Optimized and technically implemented
In the sub-article “The Green Revolution”, the bdw author Reinhard Breuer reports how scientists are trying to “pimp” photosynthesis – they want to further optimize the efficiency of the natural concept. Because there is obviously potential for that. The author first explains why certain factors reduce the yield of plant photosynthesis. Researchers are already working successfully on methods to remove these restrictions, reports Breuer. They not only intervene in the mechanisms of photosynthesis in plants. Some scientists are also trying to produce organic substances using light energy through largely artificial systems.
Then the bdw technology expert Ralf Butscher takes a look at the current efforts to produce hydrogen from sunlight using photosynthesis-like concepts. Gas is considered to be an important energy source for the future climate-neutral economy. So far it has been produced, among other things, by electrolysis using electricity from solar cells. But the efficiency in the use of light energy is low due to this “detour”. Therefore, researchers are working on converting sunlight directly into hydrogen. The natural mechanism of photosynthesis serves as a model for this. In the article “Sunshine becomes hydrogen”, Butscher reports what successes and problems there are along the way.
Colored light for vertical agriculture
In the third part of the title topic, the bdw author Ludger Weß then focuses on a futuristic cultivation method: vertical farming. To save space, plants are grown on cultivated areas that are stacked on top of each other. Since they cannot be supplied with natural daylight as a result, lamps must enable photosynthesis. Not only the brightness plays a role, but also the light color. In the article “Controlling growth – with light”, the author reports how modern LED technology enables the growth and quality of crops to be specifically influenced in the cultivation of artificial lighting.
You can find all articles on the title topic “The Power of Light” in the December issue of bild der Wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from November 17th.