Alinti: the plant-powered innovation lighting up remote communities

Alinti exploits the natural process of photosynthesis to generate electricity thanks to the interaction between plants and soil microorganisms: let's find out how it works

Alinti is a revolutionary device that, through photosynthesis, produces electricity. It is a very sustainable and ecological way of providing energy to communities where this resource is not available. This peculiar system was developed by Hernán Asto, civil engineer originating from Ayacucho, Peru.

His inspiration came from his childhood when his family lived without electricity and had to use candles for lighting. A candle-caused fire left a mark in his mind, which made him look for safer and alternative ways of lighting.

How alinti works

At the very heart of how Alinti works is in the relationship that happens between the plants and their soil micro-organisms. This device has cells filled with organic soil and graphite electrodes. Roots of the plant release organic compounds during photosynthesis, which, in turn, are broken down by microbial communities present in soils.

This process generates electrons captured by the electrodes, which in turn convert them into electrical energy. Alinti uses an innovative, non-metallic conductive polymer as the anode that resists corrosion, leading to greater efficiency in energy production over the use of traditional metal electrodes.

Applications of Alinti

Hernán Asto has been recognized with several awards for his invention; among them, he received the “An Idea to Change History” award given by History Channel, “Peruvian of the Bicentennial,” and the prestigious Green Bio-Circular award in 2023 at the APEC forum. In 2024, the highest recognition came for Alinti at the Global eAwards of NTT DATA Foundation.

Alinti devices have a wide range of practical applications. This compact solution can power LED lights and electronic equipment, like mobile phones, based on the Alinti e-POT model, to enhance the quality of life in villages by minimizing their dependence on dangerous and polluting candles and kerosene lamps.

Other appliances, Alinti e-GRASS is designed for public lighting. Equipped with bioelectrochemical cells to supply power to urban streetlights, Alinti contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing its negative impact. Alinti improves public health since it prevents diseases of the respiratory system and cleans up the atmosphere, improving life in underprivileged communities.