This technology has been under development for some time now, and the latest technology was exhibited in industry circles last year. But now that they’ve gone public with a promise to release microturbine power sources by the end of the Summer, MIT is raising people’s expectations. According to the article, the creators expect that power output of 500-700 Whr/kg can be accomplished in the near term.

After a decade of work, the first millimeter size turbine engine developed by researchers at MIT should become operational by the end of this summer. The new turbine engine will allow the creation of smaller and more powerful batteries than anything currently in existence. It might also serve as the basis for tiny powerful motors with applications ranging from micro UAVs to children’s toys. In the more distant future huge arrays of hydrogen fueled millimeter turbine engines could even be the basis for clean, quiet and cost effective power plants.

Although industrial applications such as power stations made out of large arrays of millimeter size turbine might still be a distant dream due to the low efficiency level of the millimeter engine, It is not inconceivable that in the future more efficient millimeter engines will be able to allow for a competitive alternative to existing power manufacturing technology.

This technology is a lot more promising than fuel cells, IMNSHO. There are thermal issues with microturbines too, but not as great, and the power-to-weight ratio and scalability is awesome.