Fellow solarpunk genre fans, have you ever seen the algae-powered lamps? They were a popular topic back in 2013 when a man named Pierre Calleja suggested using them.
During the day, the algae uses C02 and sunlight to create energy through photosynthesis, and at night the lamp uses that stored energy to light the area.
" Basically, an algae lamp can remove as much CO2 in one year as a tree would in its lifetime."
— Smithsonian Magazine
A schematic showing the design of an algae street light. image by Peter Horvath via designboom
Using the natural energy reserves of algae may actually limit it's lifespan, so other companies are now looking towards bioluminescent algae. These algae glow naturally, so there is no need to syphon energy from them.
As of right now, those companies are still working on ways to make the glow brighter, but if it works, their blue lights could give a power-free way to light a street while the algae is also munching on C02.
Realistically, there are problems with algae lamps, such as:
How would it work in freezing climates?
How often the glass will need cleaning (though self-cleaning glass could be an option)?
Would it put off enough light to be comparable to actual street lights?
For a fictional Solarpunk story, however, I think someone could easily make this work.
