Bioo
Harnessing the power of soil and plants for lighting
By Phil Gray
Summary
Lighting is one of the most energy-intensive aspects of modern life. It accounts for around 15% of global electricity consumption and 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.Bioo is a Barcelona-based startup whose technologies leverage natural processes in plants and soil to generate clean and sustainable energy, mainly for lighting.Bioo Panel - Uses the natural decomposition process in soil to produce electricity.Bioo Lumina - Bioluminescent plants that naturally generate light without any external electricity source.By transforming plants and soil into an energy source, Bioo is redefining the relationship between technology and the natural world.
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In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, there is a significant opportunity to innovate in the field of lighting—one of the most energy-intensive aspects of modern infrastructure. Lighting accounts for around 15% of global electricity consumption and contributes to about 5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
Public lighting, particularly in cities, is one of the largest energy demands and sources of carbon emissions in urban areas. Research indicates that lighting represents between 20% and 40% of a municipality’s total electricity use.
Much of the problem lies in the outdated lighting systems that continue to dominate urban infrastructure. The European Union’s Smart Cities initiative has found that nearly 75% of public lighting across Europe is more than 25 years old and relies on inefficient technologies. The same pattern is visible in the United States, where over half of the country’s 40 million streetlights have not been upgraded to energy-efficient models.
Bioo is a Barcelona-based startup whose technologies have the potential to transform lighting as we know it. Their solutions leverage the natural processes in soil, plants, and microorganisms to generate clean, sustainable energy, mainly for lighting.
One of Bioo's flagship products, the Bioo Panel, uses the natural decomposition process in soil to produce energy. Installed underground, this “biological battery” harnesses energy from organic matter decomposed by microorganisms in the soil.
Here’s how it works: when water runs through soil mixed with fertilizers, it breaks down organic molecules, releasing electrons in the process. These electrons then create an electrical current, which can power lighting and digital screens above ground.
Unlike traditional lithium batteries, which are harmful to the environment and require frequent replacement, Bioo Panels are self-sustaining, maintenance-free, and have a projected lifespan that offers a return on investment within about seven years.
Another one of their products is Bioo Lumina, a line of bioluminescent plants. Lumina presents an especially exciting breakthrough for outdoor and decorative lighting. These plants glow in the dark, naturally generating light without any external electricity source. Bioo achieves this effect by using biotechnology to stimulate the natural luminescence in native plants, making them ideal for parks, public spaces, and even indoor environments where traditional lighting is not essential.
This technology is currently being developed further, with plans to use genetically modified plants that can naturally produce light continuously, offering multiple color options, such as a subtle turquoise, to suit different environments.
The Bioo Switch turns any plant into a biological switch that can activate lights, screens, or sound systems. This interactive feature uses the frequency changes that occur when a person touches the plant, transforming this touch into an electrical signal. The signal then activates a connected device, making it possible to use plants to power everyday functions. Bioo Switch has practical applications not only in lighting but also in immersive experiences and interactive installations, allowing people to interact with technology in a completely new way—through nature itself.
Finally, Bioo has also developed a technology that could drastically change the agricultural sector.
Agriculture relies heavily on sensors to monitor soil conditions, moisture levels, and plant health. Currently, these sensors depend on chemical batteries that require regular replacement and maintenance, which is both costly and environmentally harmful. Bioo’s AgriTech solution replaces traditional sensors with those powered by the soil itself, using the natural decomposition process as a sustainable energy source. This eliminates the need for toxic, short-lifespan batteries, making it a zero-waste, fully sustainable option that integrates seamlessly into the natural ecosystem.
Bioos technology is already being used in a number of different environments - from public and commercial spaces to airports and at the famous Eden project. They have sed their technology in interesting and creative ways - for example, they have crafted the world’s first natural piano made from plants activated by human touch using their Switch technology.
By transforming plants into both an energy source and an interactive switch, Bioo is redefining the relationship between technology and the natural world. Their technology embodies an inspiring, cutting-edge shift toward a greener future, offering a model that can be replicated in cities, farms, and buildings around the world. Through their blend of art, science, and sustainability, Bioo is setting a new standard in eco-innovation, aligning with global goals to reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact.