New biotechnologies have made food production more efficient, but also more energy consuming. Power Plant is an energy-neutral greenhouse that uses sunlight to produce both electricity and food. Every hour, the Earth receives sufficient sunlight to supply the whole planet with enough energy for a whole year. Power Plant researches how solar cells can be integrated into our daily surroundings in such a way that this inexhaustible energy source can be used optimally and made available to a much larger group of people.

Van Aubels project is part of what she calls a ‘Solar Democracy’ by sharing knowledge and making crossovers with various different disciplines. Using Power Plant as a prototype she has been able to activate other parties, noted the Dutch Design Awards jury back in May:

‘Power Plant is such a powerful design that it has immediately become an icon for both the use of solar energy and food production. A beautiful and valuable project that combines existing technology with the power of design in order to generate new possibilities in energy transition. Her studio uses well-integrated design here to make smart decisions and use the right aesthetics. Thorough research is the foundation of the innovations and the use of prototypes helps other parties to take the next step. By taking a ‘leading position in design’, Power Plant functions as a catalyst for other chains and parties.’

As in previous years, visitors were able to vote for their favourite entry during the exhibition of all nominees and winners at Dutch Design Week. As such, DDA aims to stimulate the general public to come and view the projects themselves. In total, more than 5000 visitors voted.