In the 21st century, there has been a renewed interest in steam power as a clean and sustainable energy source. Modern steam engines and turbines are being developed for use with renewable energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal, and concentrated solar power. Additionally, efforts are underway to revive the reciprocating steam engine as part of 'advanced steam technology' for its potential efficiency and low emissions, representing a new chapter in the old story of steam.

The revival of steam power in the context of renewable energy is a compelling narrative for contemporary poets, who see in it a metaphor for renewal and sustainability. This theme of returning to an older technology to solve modern problems resonates with the eco-poetry movement, which often looks to the past for models of a harmonious relationship with nature.