Plants can generate energy in traditional and nonconventional ways. An overview of plant energy production:
Bioenergy generates power from biological materials like plants. Plant materials like wood or crop wastes can be burned to generate heat or power.
Biodiesel and ethanol are plant-based. These fuels can replace fossil fuels in transportation.
Although hydropower does not involve plants, plant-driven processes like the water cycle affect it. Plants sustain hydropower-critical water resources.
Plants indirectly generate geothermal electricity by changing Earth's surface temperatures. Earth's geological and biological processes generate geothermal energy.
PMFCs generate electricity from soil microbial activity surrounding plant roots. Electrons from microorganisms breaking down organic substances can be used for energy.
Researchers are investigating techniques to directly harvest photosynthetic electricity. This uses plant cell electron transport chains to capture and use electrical energy.
Plants can store energy. Photosynthesis produces starch and sugars that can be harvested and utilized as bioenergy or biofuels.