Graphene is already being tested for both regular batteries and supercapacitors, which charge up almost instantly and don't degrade. However, scientists are reporting that fibers from the plant can pack as much energy and power as graphene, long-touted as the model material for supercapacitors.

it's feasible that future electric cars and mobile devices could have affordable, hemp-based energy packs that top up within seconds.

Scientists had long suspected there was more value to the hemp bast — it was just a matter of finding the right way to process the material. You can make very efficient carbon electrodes simply by heating hemp bast fibers in a two-stage process.

The technology might also be useful as a graphene substitute in other areas, such as solar cells and touchscreens. If the technology really takes off it could help economies and a lot of farmers would be thrilled to grow hemp.

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