Scientists seek to exploit the coldness of space and turn it into renewable energy

Nowadays, the search for renewable energies is more than ever at the center of the concerns. Indeed, our natural resources are limited and in the end, all traditional energies will deplete. That's why many companies are turning to solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

However, apart from these renewable natural energies, what can humans use? It has been shown that the coldness of space can also be used as renewable energy. In fact, in a study published last week, scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles have already exploited the coldness of outer space using a device that costs only $ 30 to get enough power for power an LED.

Although it is far from being able to power entire cities, houses, or data centers, this shows the potential of this technology. The device in question relies on a thermoelectric generator capable of generating electricity from the difference in temperature between the "hot side" and the "cold side", one side being directed towards the ground, the other side being oriented towards the sky.

This is not a new discovery known as radiative cooling, but according to researcher Aaswath Raman, he said: "It's frankly an experience that a high school student could do, and maybe at some point. Simplicity is what makes it attractive. However, he added: "The big disadvantage of this experiment is that the amount of energy we generate is very small."