By 2015 or so, the average silicon chip will consume about 150 watts of electrical power, turning this into heat a thought which is already taxing the minds of some engineers.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR

The vehicle is powered by what is essentially a nuclear battery that converts heat into electricity providing power to Curiosity's instruments as well as generating warmth during the frigid Martian nights.

WSJ: Curiosity, the New Mars Rover | Visualizer

IMechE says this process is only 25% efficient but it is massively improved by co-siting the cryo-generator next to an industrial plant or power station producing low-grade heat that is currently vented and being released into the atmosphere.

BBC: Liquid air 'offers energy storage hope'