Hydroelectric energy is one of the oldest forms of power available. But where is science headed now?
More recently, scientists have been developing technology aimed at harvesting renewable sources of low-frequency kinetic energy stored in bodies of water.
But along with wave and tidal energy sources, did you know that raindrops also have the potential to generate a significant amount of electricity?
A few years ago, Chinese engineers integrated rainwater E-gen into existing solar panels. The panels were built using a clear outer layer made from graphene. Graphene reacts with the polarity of incoming rainwater particles, and the energy generated can be stored.
This year, engineers at the City University of Hong Kong just had a major breakthrough with the effectiveness of this technology. We hope to see expansion in renewable hydroelectric generation at all scales into the global energy market.
