I Featured: Wind > Offshore > Floating > WindFloat Provides Renewable Spinoff Application from Oil Platform Tech (Interview) – Principle Energy Inc., is presently focused on two areas: 1) WindFloat, which is a floating platform for offshore wind, wave, and current harnessing; and 2) an inflatable concentrated solar technology developed by Cool Earth Solar. The WindFloat is fitted with patented heave plates and active ballasts for stability. (PESWiki; Oct. 10, 2008) Batteries / Magnets > New spintronics effect could lead to magnetic batteries – Researchers in Japan have discovered that heating one side of a magnetized nickel-iron rod causes electrons to rearrange themselves according to their spins. This so-called “spin Seebeck effect” could lead to batteries that generate magnetic currents, rather than electric currents. (PhysOrg; Oct. 10, 2008) Geothermal Hydro-thermal Spalling – Potter Drilling’s technology differs from prior air based techniques in that it uses hot fluid rather than air to spall rock. Because spallation occurs in a water filled borehole, Potter Drilling’s technology can be used to drill to depths required for universal EGS (12,000 to 30,000 feet). (Flash animation in link) (Oct 10, 2008) (Thanks Andrian) Human-Powered > Self-Powered Light Switch Has No Wires – You flip the switch made by Enocean, and a tiny generator creates a tiny charge. There is enough energy in operations or actions like this to transmit wireless signals over a distance of up to 300 meters. (EcoGeek; Oct. 1, 2008)