The energy sector has undergone significant changes in recent years and is expected to continue its seismic transition in 2025. With new technologies in development, clean power generation has set its sights on optimized solar energy storage. Now, researchers are turning to giant clams for inspiration to achieve this feat.
Although most recognized for their tremendous size and color, giant clams can seamlessly capture and store solar power through photosynthesis, a sophisticated process of transforming sunlight into chemical energy. Could mimicking these mechanisms deliver advanced solar energy storage solutions? The science suggests it might.
New Study Claims Giant Clams Are an Inspiration to Energy Efficiency
Allison Sweeney, a respected associate professor of physics, ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale University, believes giant clams have efficiencies greater than any existing solar technology — a claim backed by her recent groundbreaking research.
Sweeney and her team examined how giant clams synthesize sunlight for energy. They designed a model similar to the clam’s unique structure to carry out their research. Their innovation was successful, converting sunlight at 67% efficiency under varying tropical light conditions. In particular, they found the clams’ photosymbiotic association and upright algae arrangement play a critical role in solar absorption.
The study’s findings suggest giant clams modify their photosynthetic tissue by inflating and deflating it around their shell for energy production. Overall, the research highlights the potential for solar energy technology improvements with maximum efficiency.
Solar Energy Processes of Giant Clams
The photosymbiotic partnership between giant clams and algae is pivotal to their solar processes. Algae absorb sunlight, while its vertical placement — aligned with how the sun’s rays enter the clam — boosts absorption.
The algae reaps nutrients and safety from the clam as photosynthesis from the algae generates sugar and oxygen for the invertebrate, increasing energy production. The clams’ ability to acclimate the spacing of their algae columns enhances the conversion rate.
The clams also use other techniques for light to penetrate their soft tissues. For instance, they have layered iridocytes — cells that reflect and disperse light for photosynthesis — to improve sunlight absorption. They may also open their shells temporarily to allow light in — however, this puts them at risk of predation.
Implications for Solar Energy Storage Technologies
With renewable energy’s popularity skyrocketing, the need for cutting-edge solar storage technologies is at an all-time high. In 2022, 4.5% of global electricity generation derived from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems — a 24% increase from the year prior. If trends continue, solar power will account for 45% of the United States’ electricity by 2050 — a significant step toward clean energy independence.
Understanding how giant clams produce power through their algae-based symbiotic processes can encourage bio-inspired technological solutions. This is especially true for solar energy storage systems. Energy storage compensates for sunlight’s intermittence, storing enough power for continuous use during periods of low sunlight or nighttime.
Replicating how giant clams absorb and consume light enables researchers to uncover ways to enhance existing PV panel performance, whether for residential rooftops or utility-scale solar farms. For instance, engineers might emulate the clams’ algae columns and create similar vertical arrangements to absorb light. On their own, few human innovations can match the efficiency and remarkable undertaking of natural processes.
Applications of Giant Clams in Solar Energy
While advanced solar absorbers are an essential renewable energy technology design, they are just one of several applications giant clams can inspire. Other potential solutions include the following.
-
Adaptive PV Panels
Engineers might explore the clams’ innate structural adjustments to sunlight to enhance solar panels’ capacity to harness energy. This could include sun intensity and gradient modifications to increase power absorption during different parts of the day. Most importantly, it would account for varying light states, enhancing system outcomes and energy generation.
Previous research has investigated similar bio-inspired PV designs by analyzing plants. One framework combined the latest solar technologies — crystalline silicon cells, perovskite solar cells and organic PV cells — with biological imitations to create new panel configurations. These panels were experimented with in different colors, flexibilities and opacities. According to the study, a thinner film with greater transparency demonstrated the best results.
-
Optimized Solar Energy Storage
Experts predict the global solar energy storage segment will have a 24.2% compound annual growth rate — an increase in value from $4.4 billion in 2023 to $20.01 billion by 2030.
Batteries are becoming the most crucial component of clean energy systems. They store and release power as necessary while limiting grid reliance. As a result, less pressure is placed on the weakened electrical grid, and peak rates are bypassed, resulting in higher cost savings for individuals and businesses.
Giant clams have the potential to revolutionize optimized solar storage in 2025. However, researchers must engineer a viable innovation for capturing and storing solar power for independent consumption. This entails merging energy storage solutions into standard PV designs while developing battery technologies for greater efficiency.
Other advancements for consideration include adaptation capabilities based on power generation trends and the ability to oversee and control how stored energy is utilized. These features will enhance sustainable, at-home clean energy.
-
Nature-Influenced Harvesting Technologies
Sustainable solar energy systems could ultimately depend on efficient, nature-inspired harvesting technologies. This means duplicating nature’s approach to transforming and storing sun-based power.
Giant clams have much to teach the renewable energy industry about harvesting sunlight for fuel. For example, the photosymbiotic relationship between the clams and algae might help lay the groundwork for PV panels employing synergistic partnerships.
Additionally, the clams’ iridocytes underscore a more efficient light-harvesting strategy. Engineers might consider dispersing and directing sunlight evenly across the PV panels, similar to how the iridocytes do in giant clams for the algae.
A Promising Year Ahead for Storing Solar Power
Optimized solar power storage seems promising in 2025 as researchers and green engineers conduct more in-depth research into renewable energy technologies. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, either — amid increasing natural disasters and strains on the electrical grid, more robust and reliable energy is in high demand. By understanding the complex processes of giant clams, the world can expect stunning developments in clean, sustainable energy
