Printed trees provide energy

Wood is still a very important source of energy and results in deforestation worldwide. Finnish researchers have turned this around: instead of chopping tress they have found a way to print artificial trees which provide energy. The stems are made of 3D printer wood-based material and the leaves are flexible, organic solar cells (printed electronics). Every leave has its own power converter to convert sun, wind and heat into energy. According to the researchers, existing mass production technology can be used to produce these printed electronics which makes it suitable for a wide audience. At the moment only a few exist. The small artificial trees produce enough energy to charge smartphones or LED lamps.