Even as America’s infrastructure for producing and distributing electricity continues to grow older, demand for new electricity is expected to grow nearly 20% over the next decade. So how can this need be met? Well according to the Environmental News Network, advances in small-scale nanotechnology may contribute quite a bit, as it can improve efficiency, and extend the lifespan of the equipment. New ceramic nano-coatings, for example, are being used on water systems, cooling towers, and heat exchangers to reduce corrosion. Since this also holds much promise for helping renewable sources like wind and solar, nanotechnology looks like a tiny idea with large potential.