The discovery was announced by scientists from Radbaud University in the Netherlands. According to them, microbes inhale methane and convert it into electricity.

what is known

The study focuses on the species Methanoperedens nitroreducens, which belongs to archaeal – bacterial microorganisms known for their extraordinary ability to survive in harsh conditions. These microbes can decompose methane in an oxygen-free environment. Archaea can discharge electrons in a chain of electrochemical reactions using any metal.

• The scientists collected samples from microbial colonies dominated by methane-eating archaea and grew a new colony in an oxygen-deficient environment where methane is the sole electron supplier.
• Next to the colony, the scientists also placed a zero-voltage metal anode, creating an electrochemical battery designed to generate current.
• After analyzing the conversion of methane to carbon dioxide and measuring currents reaching 274 milliamps per square centimeter, the team concluded that just over a third of the currents are associated with methane degradation.
• 31% of methane energy was converted to electricity; this is comparable to some power plants.

Microbiologist Cornelia Velte believes the invention could prove very beneficial for the energy sector. According to him, less than half of all gas is converted into electricity in today’s biogas plants and more success can be achieved with the help of microorganisms.