The Moss Table takes utilitarian furniture to another level.

Using biophotovoltaic technology, the table, which was showcased at the Salone Satellite in Milan earlier this month and at Designersblock London 2011, generates electricity from light via photosynthesis.

The moss can produce 520 joules per day, which is just enough to keep the average laptop on for about 20 seconds. As it stands, it can’t power the built-in lamp, but has enough energy for small devices, such as digital clocks. Still the designer says more potential could be unlocked:

Efficiency can be improved by increasing the rate moss excretes organic compounds into the soil and the rate bacteria breaks down organic compounds. The table hasn’t tested if different mosses can produce more energy.