Every day, around the world, huge amounts of energy are generated – but much of it never gets used. More than half of all produced energy is lost as waste heat, often at temperatures below 100°C. It comes from sources we rarely think about: homes appliances, electronics, buildings, natural environments, and even our own bodies. This overlooked heat could become one of the largest sources of clean, affordable energy available – if we can find the right way to harness it.
That challenge has been at the heart of TRANSLATE, an EU-funded research project developing a new type of energy-harvesting device designed specifically for low-grade waste heat.
Rather than relying on conventional thermoelectric materials, TRANSLATE is exploring an approach using ionic thermocells built with nanofluidic channels that allow ions in an electrolyte (such as a salt-based solution) to move and generate electricity when exposed to a temperature difference.
What makes this technology especially exciting is its sustainability and scalability. The device is made from Earth-abundant, non-toxic materials – including cellulose, anodised aluminium oxide and polycarbonate – making it cleaner and safer than many traditional energy technologies. Since it operates without emissions and without the need for rare or hazardous elements, it has potential to be produced at low cost and integrated into a wide range of environments.
Designed for ultra-low-power applications, this compact, modular system could one day help power environmental sensors, smart buildings, medical wearables, and passive IoT devices – even using heat generated by the human body. Early laboratory prototypes have already shown promising performance at temperatures below 100°C, with ongoing research focused on improving ion transport, system stability and long-term durability.
With the project now progressing towards pilot testing and future commercial pathways, TRANSLATE is seeking new partnerships to help move this breakthrough from research to real-world deployment.
🎥 Watch the new video to discover how the technology works — and where it could lead next.
Find more videos on the TRANSLATE YouTube channel.
