Centre for Photosynthesis Research, 'Towards BioSolar Cells’
Six Dutch universities have formulated an ambitious research plan that is intended to lead to a revolution in photosynthesis. The photosynthesis will not only become more efficient, but the energy will also be 'tapped' in an entirely new way. With this plan, the universities intend to better utilise photosynthesis to benefit a sustainable food and energy supply.
'Towards BioSolar Cells' is a joint research programme of Wageningen UR, University of Groningen, VU Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology and Leiden University.
The plan is an outstanding example of a project where fundamental research is used to work on improving the production of food and biofuels. For example, the research could lead to solar cells that produce fuel instead of electricity.
Insight for innovation
'Towards BioSolar Cells' describes the research methods that will be used to acquire significant new insights into photosynthesis These insights will create the possibility to work on optimising of the use of sunlight for the growth of plants for food and/or biofuel. In addition, the plan describes the development of systems to 'tap' energy from photosynthesis even before the energy is converted into biomass. This should lead to an entirely new generation of biofuels without the disadvantages of the current generation.
Professor Rudy Rabbinge of Wageningen University is the initiator of ‘Towards BioSolar Cells'. He describes the programme as follows: "The world is faced with the challenge of developing sustainable energy sources. The Netherlands can provide an outstanding contribution to this endeavour by taking a leap forward, not by following behind, but by investing in true innovation. This innovation can be achieved by combining knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics, and in this way utilising the basic principles of photosynthesis. This links ups with the best traditions of the Netherlands and makes use of our excellent expertise and infrastructure…"
The plan has been enthusiastically received by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. Together with the consortium of universities and innovation-oriented companies, the Ministry is working out a business plan based on the proposal that can be presented for financing to the Interdepartementale Programmadirectie Kennis en Innovatie (FES) (Interdepartmental Programme Directorate for Expertise and Innovation). If there is a positive decision on the financing, the actual work on the initiative can begin, and the Netherlands will be able to continue its long tradition in research and innovation in photosynthesis.