It seems that just about every week nowadays there is an announcement about some breakthrough in battery technology. Whether that breakthrough applies to the battery technology within the next big hybrid/electric vehicle, or just improved efficiency for the industry staple lithium battery, it’s getting hard to keep up with the headlines.

Today’s news comes by way of Sweden, as reported by the Economist. This new technology applies to discoveries in cellulose battery research, which is taken from algae. Algae may be the most exciting clean energy possibility, with much study given to developing algae-based jet fuel.

Dr. Albert Mihranyan has developed a battery which can be nearly as thin as a piece of paper. And, although not nearly as powerful as its Lithium battery counterpart, there will certainly be uses for this technology in the soon. At present, Dr. Mihranyan is seeking a way to introduce this new battery into the marketplace, according to the Economist.com:

“Dr Mihranyan is now seeking to commercialise the technology. Although algal batteries cannot replace lithium-ion ones, because they are only about a third as efficient, they could be used for niche applications. That might include luggage tags containing small radios that broadcast their location to baggage handlers. “Smart” packaging materials such as cereal boxes that include electronic displays are another possibility.”

As I’ve said before, small is the new BIG! Nano technology will find a much easier time being incorporated into the marketplace because of our undying and expanding love for gadgetry.

[image via Moria]