Energy Generated by Green Slime

Growing in your fish tanks and slimming up the rocks at the beach lies your next energy source.  It's green, it's mean, it's algae! (No, the energy geeks have not lost their mind.)

An apartment building in Hamburg, Germany has developed a net-zero energy structure - derived from the building's 'siding.'  Taking three years and $3.4 million euros to build, it was designed for the International Building Exposition (IBA).

Alternative Energy - Algae via

From the IBA's website:

"The sides of the building that face the sun have a second outer shell that is set into the facade itself. Microalgae – tiny plants, most no larger than bacteria – are produced within this shell. They enable the house to supply its own energy. The only thing that the algae have to do is simply to grow. They are continuously supplied with liquid nutrients and carbon dioxide via a separate water circuit running through the facade  With the aid of sunlight, the algae can photosynthesis and grow."

Net-Zero Energy Via

So what do you think? Time to cover your home in algae and start farming your own energy?

No? Not ready for that? IDT Energy offers electricity from green energy sources if you think that might be a better option! 

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