Photosynthesis, the chemical reaction that enables almost all life on Earth, is extremely inefficient at capturing energy -- only around 1% of light energy that a plant absorbs is converted into chemical energy within the plant. Bioengineers propose a radical new method of food production that they call 'electro-agriculture.' The method essentially replaces photosynthesis with a solar-powered chemical reaction that more efficiently converts CO2 into an organic molecule that plants would be genetically engineered to 'eat.' The researchers estimate that if all food in the US were produced using electro-agriculture, it would reduce the amount of land needed for agriculture by 94%. The method could also be used to grow food in space.
Perhaps it can be scaled down easily to something that fits in a home. It could be a fridge sized machine that’s hooked up to power and water and keeps producing fresh food. That’ll cut out the middlemen.
That would be dope, especially in places like where I live that are difficult to supply fresh produce to. Right now I just have to settle for a basement greenhouse.
I feel the need to point out this is way more expensive upfront than a patch of dirt, though, so we’re not going to make the switch overnight even if it’s earns itself back easily in the long run.
Yes, I also forgot to mention this tech is a safeguard against supply-side shocks. like with wheat after Russia attacked Ukraine.
Perhaps it can be scaled down easily to something that fits in a home. It could be a fridge sized machine that’s hooked up to power and water and keeps producing fresh food. That’ll cut out the middlemen.
That would be dope, especially in places like where I live that are difficult to supply fresh produce to. Right now I just have to settle for a basement greenhouse.
I feel the need to point out this is way more expensive upfront than a patch of dirt, though, so we’re not going to make the switch overnight even if it’s earns itself back easily in the long run.