The spread of green algae is growing problem in Korea.<br />The algae pollute water ways and kill the ecosystem.<br />However, a way to harness it in a positive way has been discovered.<br />A team of Korean researchers say they've figured out a way to use algae to generate electricity.<br />Cho Sung-min reports. <br /> <br />Local scientists at Yonsei University have come up with a way to use green algae to generate electricity.<br />The team developed the method by looking at the way plants use photosynthesis.<br />Plants produce energy by absorbing and converting sunlight.<br />During photosynthesis, a small amount of electrons are scattered by water inside the plants.<br /><br />"Because it uses solar energy, photosynthesis is highly efficient. Using that model, we can develop a technology to convert solar power into electricity."<br /><br />Extracting the electricity out of water is the key.<br />And that is exactly why green algae, which lives in water,... is a perfect fit.<br />The algae are put on a special film plate made to absorb the plants' energy,... and nano needles are used to extract electricity from them.<br />A bit of algae smaller than an average adult palm is enough to power a light bulb.<br /><br />Industry experts say the method is still in a primitive stage but could become the next big thing in solar power.<br />The team is currently working on improving it to generate more electicity.<br />Cho Sung-min, Arirang News. <br />
