The Human Power Plant is an artistic research project into the possibilities of human power production in a modern society.
Unlike solar and wind energy, human power is always available, no matter the season or time of day. Unlike solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, humans don't need to be manufactured in a factory. Unlike all other power sources, human power increases as the human population grows. With a combination of low-tech solutions, lifestyle changes, and some exercise, the Human Power Plant demonstrates that a fossil fuel free life is possible.
The Rise and Fall of Human Power
Throughout most of history, humans have been the most important source of mechanical energy. Building cities, digging canals, producing food, washing clothes, communication and transportation: it all happened with human muscle power as the main source of energy.
These days, human power plays virtually no role anymore. We have automated and motorised even the smallest physical efforts. Mechanical energy is now largely provided by fossil fuels, either as a primary fuel or converted to electricity.
This 'progress' comes at a price. Industrial society is totally dependent on a steady supply of fossil fuels and electricity, which makes it very vulnerable to supply interruptions. Furthermore, fossil fuels are not infinitely available and their large-scale use causes a host of other problems, such as climate change.
On the other hand, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power are not always available, and their manufacturing is also dependent on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, in order to keep in shape and stay healthy, people go to the gym to exercise, generating energy that's wasted.
Restoring the connection between energy demand and supply
The Human Power Plant aims to restore the connection between energy demand and energy supply. If we generate energy ourselves, we will first and foremost ask ourselves how much energy we actually need. This consideration is now largely missing in the debate about climate change and energy use, which is focused on technical solutions that make present ways of life non-negotiable.
Modern technology has greatly improved the potential of human power production. On the one hand, many electric devices have become very energy efficient. For example, solid state lighting consumes roughly ten times less power than old-fashioned light bulbs, so that a quick workout can supply many hours of light. On the other hand, we now have much better technology for human power production, ranging from sophisticated exercise machines to biogas power plants.
To find out if human power can sustain a modern lifestyle, we develop scenarios and prototypes on different locations in the Netherlands. The Human Power Plant is both a technical and a social challenge. A technical challenge, because there’s a lack of scientific and technological research into human power production. A social challenge, because unlike a wind turbine, a solar panel, or an oil barrel, a human needs to be motivated in order to produce energy.