verdantpower.com

In the race to find alternative power sources, a startup plans to draw power from rivers. Like water-based windmills, small turbines will begin generating power this winter from tidal flows in New York City's East River.

The turbines, made by a Manhattan company called Verdant Power, feature 16-foot blades and will produce about ten megawatts total, helping power a local supermarket. Because the turbines swing freely, they can draw energy no matter which way the tide is running. Says Verdant president Trey Taylor, 59, "We're the first in the world to do something like this." --Jeff Garigliano