Tech firm pushes ‘free energy’ claims

A controversial technology company this week reiterated a series of audacious claims that have outraged scientists around the world.

Sean McCarthy, the chief executive of Steorn, told an audience in London that the company had already produced a prototype which ran independently for four weeks. He also claimed to have built another motor using the system which could produce enough energy to power a Porsche car.
But despite its assertions, the company has refused to publicly display its technology, and the science community has yet to be convinced by Mr McCarthy’s declaration. Many engineers and academics instead believe the claims are part of an elaborate marketing ploy.

A panel, whittled down to 12 successful applicants, will begin its examination in the new year and Mr McCarthy said he expected them to report their findings by autumn 2007.

“By the end it will be either, ‘By jove, we’ve done it’, or we’ll sink into ignominy for the rest of our lives,” he said. “The price of failure is extremely high, but the price of success is about a cleaner world, a better world.”

Guardian