Free energy for all!

Has it finally happened? All our energy problems are now solved?

Well, no, probably not. As you all know there's no such thing as a free lunch, and neither is there free energy. But the Irish company Steorn is claiming they have the real thing. The company claims to have discovered some sort of magnetic device that creates more energy than it produces, and it is inviting sceptical scientists to test it. The testing will start shortly after September 8, so stay tuned for further development.

Personally I'm sure that this is either a joke, a hoax, or (perhaps most likely) an honest mistake - something like the cold fusion debacle some 15 years ago.

James Randi mentions this in his latest JREF newsletter in a quite dismissive tone. The guys posting at Steorn's discussion forum also seems pretty sceptical. And here's a brand new site that keeps watch on any new deveopment. But we'll see sooner or later. Here's the actual procedures for testing as put forward on the Steorn site:

Validation Process

The process of testing Steorn's technology shall consist of three test phases. The process shall commence with the scientific jury appointing its own chairman. Steorn shall then provide an in-depth explanation of the operation of its technology and shall present the tests and test data conducted on the technology to date.

Steorn will cover all direct costs relating to the validation process.

Phase I

Confirm that the Steorn technology has a coefficient of performance greater than 100%.

Phase II

Confirm that the operation of the Steorn technology does not affect the component parts of the technology.

Phase III

Carry out a full thermodynamic analysis of the technology.

What Happens After Validation?

The jury’s analysis will be published on the company's website where everyone can register to receive the results.

The Company will then be seeking to license its technology into a variety of markets including the consumer electronics and automotive sectors. The company will also be releasing several products that it is developing itself.