We've had solid-state thermoelectric generators for a while that convert heat flux directly to electricity, they're just really inefficient (only 5-8% efficent)

We've had solid-state thermoelectric generators for a while that convert heat flux directly to electricity, they're just really inefficient (only 5-8% efficent). [0] I can't find anything suggesting a fundamental limit to the efficiency, but it would take a lot to catch up to steam-powered generators at 33%-48% efficiency [1]. [0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator#Efficiency https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator#Effic... [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam-electric_power_station#Efficiency https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam-electric_power_station#E...