Intel, the company behind the processors in so many of our computers and various devices, is taking a major interest in advancing its smart grid technology.

In the next month or two Intel will start pilot tests on its new home energy management devices in Oregon. Intel is also currently working on project with Tendril Networks that will let people program their home’s energy settings via their television. The TV interface allows the user to communicate with their utilities as well as the their thermostat.

Both of these projects are being designed to help consumers save money by reducing their energy usage. Reducing energy usage also helps make for a more sustainable environment, something that green consumers should be excited about.

There are plenty of great renewable energy sources being investigated and improved upon from solar power and wind farms to tidal energy. But there is another field of study that we eco tech nuts are keeping our eyes on, and that’s the practice of capturing and using energy that is wasted in larger systems. Intel has done some experiments along these lines recently, which have had some interesting results.

Intel found that they could power a small thermometer with and LCD display by harnessing the energy of radio waves of a radio tower that was four miles away.

This eco-friendly technology has great potential for low power devices but the practical aspects are equally exciting. Small devices could be operate without anything like a conventional power source and simply rely on their required energy being broadcast to them over several miles.