Technology

Nanoscale device generates continuous electricity from evaporating water and some sunlight — paves the path for battery-free sensors, wearable electronics, and more

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Apr 29, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have developed a nanoscale device that generates continuous electricity from evaporating water, aided by heat and sunlight. This technology, known as a hydrovoltaic device, can work with ordinary ion-containing water like tap water or seawater. The device consists of three layers that harness evaporation, heat, and sunlight to produce stable electrical output. While the power output is small compared to commercial solar panels, the device shows promise for battery-free sensors, wearable electronics, and IoT devices in environments with natural water, warmth, and sunlight. The design allows for independent optimization of each stage and potential scalability in the future.

Read Full Article

U.S. Grid-Scale Battery Production to Support 100% of Renewable Generating Capacity

The U.S. grid-scale battery manufacturing industry can now fully support the storage needs of wind and solar electricity generation, with battery storage expected to make up 28% of new U.S. power-plant capacity. By the end of 2025, U.S. factories had the capacity to produce about 70 GWh of finished grid storage systems annually, with projections to reach 145 GWh/year by the end of 2026. Despite challenges like limited domestic supplies of battery materials, the industry is advancing rapidly with battery recycling technologies and North American mining operations. Grid-scale storage systems are significantly enhancing the economics of renewable energy by storing excess power and ensuring a steady supply.

ElectronicDesign•

2 weeks ago

This Offshore Wind Turbine Will House a Data Center Underwater

Startup Aikido is planning to launch a prototype in the North Sea that combines an offshore wind turbine with a data center housed underwater. The floating wind turbine platform will have three ballast tanks, each capable of hosting a 4-megawatt, liquid-cooled data hall. This innovative project aims to leverage renewable energy sources for sustainable data center operations in the future.

IEEE Spectrum•

2 months ago

MIT Technology Review

Google is still aiming for its “moonshot” 2030 energy goals

Google is striving to achieve its ambitious 2030 goal of running on carbon-free energy 24-7, despite facing challenges due to the rapid growth in AI. The company's total electricity demand has doubled since 2020, making it more difficult to reach its target. To bridge the gap, Google has been making deals in the energy sector, including projects involving carbon capture and storage at a natural-gas plant in Illinois and plans to reopen a nuclear power plant in Iowa. Critics have raised concerns about the carbon capture project, questioning the decision to build a new plant instead of retrofitting existing facilities.

MIT Technology Review•

6 months ago

First Stage Of Nanoscale Imaging In Positive-Tone EUV Photoresists: The Impact Of Polymer Sequence (Berkeley Lab, Columbia Hill)

Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Columbia Hill Technical Consulting published a technical paper titled "Initial stage of nanoscale imaging in positive-tone extreme UV photoresists: the influence of polymer sequence." The paper explores the impact of polymer chain uniformity on the radiolytic process in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. The study uses stochastic reaction-diffusion calculations to evaluate how different polymer chain structures affect the formation of species crucial for defining image resolution. The results indicate that polymer sequence does not significantly affect the composition of these species, suggesting that potential improvements in imaging may come from post-imaging lithographic processes.

SemiEngineering•

7 months ago