Humans have been generating power from water since centuries through age-old technologies like water wheels that function using a stream’s electric current to turn a mill for grinding grain. With rising concerns about shrinking resources, high oil prices and environmental changes, some creative thinkers are back with water energy and this time with new and perhaps some unusual twists.
Here we are talking about the latest buzz that the Tata Group has made by adding one more feather to its cap. Tata is collaborating with MIT to produce energy from water. The prominent group made an official declaration of joining up with Daniel Nocera, who teaches chemistry and energy at MIT. Dr. Nocera and his group of selected scientists at MIT drew Tata’s attention when he came to know about their breakthrough technology to reproduce the classic method of photosynthesis.
Although Nocera’s research is in the preliminary stages, he hopes to generate sufficient energy from half a bottle of water that can power a small ménage, probably by next year. He expects that within 10 years, a cost-efficient system will come into place, generating clean energy which can be made available to people around the globe.
Nocera has spent around 25 years avidly researching for this project to exploit the energy in water molecule’s bonds. The final system that MIT researchers foresee will break up both oxygen and hydrogen. Both the parties involved in the collaboration have high expectations from this dream project. According to their estimate, the research could contribute to a refrigerator-sized “mini power plant” that could eventually help in generating power for the three billion needy people around the globe.
However, some are of the opinion that the water energy created through this method may not be as eco friendly as one may believe. The reason behind this notion is the adverse affects it will have on the natural habitats of the environment due to the continuous movement of water. It would not incorrect to say that as technology advances, the process of deriving energy from water is likely to be refined in the coming years.
Hopefully, if Nocera’s research comes out as expected, a pool-sized container invigorated with fresh water each day will efficiently fulfill the entire planet’s electricity demand. So, irrespective of the research’s development stage, Tata is likely to reap greater rewards, if the project creates a success story.
Via: Live Mint
