Salty water power

Researcher proposes new, cheaper way to get energy from salt water and fresh water

A new way to get electricity out of water could prove to be worth its salt. Mixing salt water and fresh water in a container with carbon electrodes can produce clean, renewable energy, reports Doriano Brogioli of the University of Milano–Bicocca in Italy.

POWER IONS In illustration at left, two carbon electrodes (top and bottom portions) sit in salt water.