A new source of sustainable energy could come from a common kitchen staple: the humble potato. Israeli scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have invented a potato battery, a finding that could solve the power needs of people in remote areas around the globe. Professor Haim Rabinowitch led the 2010 study, exploring the properties of this common tuber when conducting electricity. The team’s findings were just what they hoped for: a potato battery that could power lights and telecommunication devices. These necessities are often lacking in underdeveloped countries and remote villages. Since the potato battery is easy to use and extremely cheap to produce, this green power could give electrical access to everyone on the globe. (1)

Properties Of The Potato Battery

It’s no secret that organic matter conducts electricity. High school science classes usually feature small-scale demonstrations of the potato’s low-voltage power. What was missing, however, was an in-depth scientific study of how this knowledge could be applied. Rabinowitch and his team made a simple battery using slices of potato and metal electrodes. Sandwiching the potato between zinc and copper ends, the acid from the potato reacts chemically to electrons passing between the metals. This produces and releases energy, which is then harnessed. (2) Rabinowitch didn’t stop there with his potato battery. The team found that boiling the potatoes for just 8 minutes beforehand changed the tuber’s cell membranes. This allows energy to flow even better, increasing the power 10 fold over uncooked potatoes. As a result, the battery can then work for days to weeks. (2, 3)

Cost-Effective Energy For The Masses

Solving the power needs of those without easy access to it requires affordable solutions. Underdeveloped countries, already struggling to provide their citizens with life’s necessities, don’t have extra to spend. This fact is what makes the potato battery a viable, affordable solution to the problem. Rabinowitch made a simple cost analysis of the project. He found that a single boiled potato battery generates energy at about $9 per kilowatt-hour. This is 50-fold cheaper than an average 1.5 volt AA alkaline or D cell battery, which costs $49-84 per kilowatt-hour. This clean energy is also 6 times cheaper than kerosene lamp use, which is typical lighting in poor countries. (2) Because potatoes are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most countries, the positive impacts would be huge. With the average global price of over 2lbs of potatoes holding at $0.51, the current energy needs of poor towns and villages could easily be met. (4)

Obstacles To Overcome

The University offered to give the invention away, free of charge. Despite this, the potato battery has yet to sweep the globe or make the headlines. The lack of enthusiasm surprised Rabinowitch since the entire battery costs less than $1. What is the hesitation to implement the technology? It’s a bit complicated. For one thing, using a food source for energy can have its pitfalls.  Many populations rely on the potato as a primary kitchen staple. With little to spare, they may be unlikely to consider it a viable power option. Another obstacle is competition with more prominent global campaigns. Popular solar and wind energy could be taking the attention off of even the best alternatives. As a result, some may perceive the potato battery as too simple or rustic of a power solution. (1) While time will tell if the idea will catch on, though there’s no denying the potato power works.