A New Era of Light: Streetlights Will Shine with Bacteria

Some time ago, an innovative experiment began in France in street lighting, where bioluminescent bacteria are being used to illuminate roads. The French startup Glowee has developed such lights using marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri, which produce blue-green light with minimal electricity consumption. These bacteria are kept in a mixture of saltwater and nutrients, and they glow when exposed to oxygen. The first test of this technology was conducted in the city of Rambouillet, where the waiting room of a vaccine center was illuminated with these luminescent tubes.

What is the main specialty?

1. Low consumption: These lights consume less electricity compared to traditional LED lights, as the light is generated from the bacteria’s natural metabolism.
2. Environmentally friendly: Their production requires less water and emits less carbon, and they are biodegradable.
3. Change in mindset: This discovery will also bring a shift in thinking. For now, Glowee’s goal is to make urban lighting more environment- and biodiversity-friendly.

What are the challenges?

1. Low brightness: At present, these bacteria generate only 15 lumens of light per square meter, which is less than the 25 lumens required for park and garden lighting.
2. Temperature sensitivity: Their performance may be affected in cold weather.
3. Maintenance: To keep the bacteria alive, regular supply of nutrients and oxygen is necessary.

Research continues, a new path ahead

In 2019, Rambouillet partnered with Glowee, and between 2023–2027, the plan is to test this technology in 40 cities across France and other countries. In addition, Glowee is now also working on chemiluminescence, which uses enzymes (luciferase) instead of live bacteria to produce light, making maintenance easier.
This technology is still in its early stages, but in the future, it could become a promising alternative for sustainable and eco-friendly lighting systems.