A pioneering photoshoot, hailed as the world's first to be "powered by nature", has successfully demonstrated an innovative method of generating energy.

The groundbreaking project was a collaborative effort between Dutch research and design studio Nova Innova and PEUGEOT, with photographer George Williams capturing the remarkable images that will be exhibited at London's prestigious Saatchi Gallery.

So, what's behind this revolutionary approach to energy production?

The project harnessed the power of 'plant energy' by leveraging the natural process of photosynthesis, where plants utilise sunlight to grow.

As plants produce organic waste, which is absorbed by the surrounding soil or water, specialist bacteria break down this waste, releasing tiny electrons in the process.

To tap into this eco-friendly energy source, researchers employed microbial fuel cells in the soil, collecting the energy generated by the bacterial breakdown and storing it in batteries. These batteries were then used to power the lighting for the extraordinary photoshoot.

Ermi Van Oers, a spokesperson for Nova Innova, expressed their enthusiasm for the achievement: "This first-of-its-kind shoot was a great way to show what's possible with our technology.

"In the future, we hope this method can be scaled up to power things like household appliances and even parts of vehicles."

They added: "It's been wonderful working alongside PEUGEOT, a company committed to sustainable innovation, to introduce this to a wider audience."

Generating the energy required for the photoshoot was an impressive feat. The team harnessed power from 30 microbial fuel cells, utilising natural materials such as plant waste, a mixture of 94 litres of water with 188 litres of mud, and even spent coffee grounds.

Nicola Dobson from PEUGEOT illuminated the groundbreaking nature of the shoot: "The world's first photoshoot powered by plant energy with the new E-5008 demonstrates PEUGEOT's dedication to embracing innovation and sustainable technology."

This initiative reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions among consumers and drivers alike. PEUGEOT's research indicates that 70% of consumers prioritise sustainability in their purchasing decisions, with 55% more inclined to support brands that are environmentally conscious.

Additionally, 58% of motorists expect car manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly technologies.

By combining cutting-edge science with artistry, this "powered by nature" shoot highlights a future where sustainability and innovation work hand in hand – and the possibilities are boundless.