As we reported yesterday an Irish company called Steorn is claiming to have invented a machine that creates energy out of nothing (aka a perpetual motion machine – a physical imposibility). The demo of this amazing device which is claimed to end fossil and nuclear fuel dependence as well as global starvation, pollution and everything else that’s bad was set to be demoed yesterday in London but due to undisclosed “technical problems” the demo was put on hold. The demo was rescheduled for today but surprise surprise: More technical difficulties caused further delay – this time with no stipulated date for a new demo. Steorn provides the following explanation:

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with the demo unit in London. Our initial assessment indicates that this is probably due to the intense heat from the camera lighting. We have commenced a technical assessment and will provide an update later today. As a consequence, Kinetica will not be open to the public today (5th July). We apologise for this delay and appreciate your patience.

Now, having worked in television for years I can tell you that the “intense heat from the camera lighting” is not all that intense. For example it is much less hot than walking around Vancouver, BC on a sunny day like today. So if it is true that this amazing device doesn’t work due to this heat the people at Steorn have a serious problem on their hands because major parts of the globe experience this kind of heat if not hotter temperatures all year round. Regardless the explanation seems very suspicious as you would expect that the unit had been tested in warm conditions prior to it’s unveiling. Next thing you know they’ll claim that the electromagnetic interference from the video cameras are causing the problem. And then we’ll be told that the unit only works when no one is looking.

I’m sorry, but until this thing works in public and with cameras rolling it’s little more than hot air.