Power to the People

Episode image for Power to the People

Episode 3 of 3

Duration: 1 hour

In this, the last of his Big Ideas programmes, James May tries to find smarter, brighter and bolder ways of powering the planet for future generations, and sets off on a global search to find people who share his dream. It takes him from Guildford, where he takes a solar powered car to its limit at night, to the US where he joins some aerospace engineers who are trying to build an 'elevator' into space.

In Holland, James meets the first Dutchman in space who has put away his rockets and has swapped them for kites as he tries to harvest the power of the jet-stream. And finally, in the deserts of New Mexico, he seeks out some modern-day alchemists, who offer the promise of allowing him to drive his car on petrol conjured out of thin air.

Last on

Sun 1 Feb 2009 18:00 BBC Two except Wales, Wales (Analogue)

See all previous episodes for James May's Big Ideas

More episodes

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  • take it further:

    Discover more about the ideas close to James' heart with the Open University.

    Visit James May's Big Ideas website on Open2.net
  • the big ideas interactive challenge:

    James invites you take part in a set of challenges to get him from A to B using any transport means possible. It could involve taking the bus or strapping on a jet pack - it's up to you to find the best solution.

    Take the challenge

Credits

Presenter
James May
Producer
Nigel Paterson

Broadcasts

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