A company called Magcap Engineering has developed a way to draw electrical power from trees.
Some quotes:
Basically, the existing system includes a metal rod embedded in the tree, a grounding rod driven into the ground, and the connecting circuitry, which filters and boosts the power output sufficient to charge a battery. In its current experimental configuration, the demonstration system produces 2.1 volts, enough to continuously maintain a full charge in a nickel cadmium battery attached to an LED light.
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Near term – within the next six months or so – and with additional research and development…the system could be enhanced enough to generate 12 volts and one amp of power…
It is enough power to charge batteries for any type of vehicle, including hybrids and electric cars, or to use with an AC converter to produce household power…The LED industry is a prime example of a potential user of this power source.
Other applications would be to provide power for signs, security lights, street, park and hiking trail lights, surveillance or sensor equipment – any application that heretofore couldn’t be serviced because it lay beyond the hard-wired power grid.
Sounds like such a system could come as as a shock to your average treehugger…literally!
