An innovative technological solution promises to transform the way cities produce energy. It’s about piezoelectric floors, capable of converting the steps of pedestrians into clean electricity, which were recognized as the “Best project” of the III edition of the Mobility Summit & Hackathon 2025, held in Valencia.
More than 50 professionals and young talents gathered at the meeting to devise strategies for sustainable urban mobility. Among the projects, the proposal of the Green Walk team stood out, which designed a system based on piezoelectric plates that transform the pressure of each step into usable energy.
The operation is based on a simple physical principle: certain materials, like quartz or ceramic, generate electric charges when subjected to pressure. In this case, the plates installed under the pavement convert the constant flow of pedestrians into small doses of energy that can be stored or used immediately.
Although each step generates only milliwatts, the real potential lies in scale. In train stations, squares, or shopping centers with thousands of people per day, the sum becomes a constant energy source. Japan is already experimenting with this technology at Shibuya station in Tokyo, where the piezoelectric floors generate up to 4 kWh per day.
Self-generation as a key tool for sustainable cities
The possibility of producing energy from everyday actions represents a paradigm shift. Piezoelectric floors not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also bring cities closer to more autonomous models of energy generation.
One of the main benefits is the reduction of polluting emissions. According to estimates, the use of this technology decreases CO₂ emissions by more than 90% compared to energy obtained from sources like natural gas. This makes piezoelectricity a valuable resource in the face of the climate crisis.
Piezoelectric floors that transform steps into electricity. Photo: Repsol.
Key benefits for the environment
In addition, self-generation offers the possibility of sustainably supplying public lighting systems, traffic lights, information screens, or mobile device charging stations. In this way, urban space becomes an intelligent node that harnesses the energy of human traffic.
The economic impact is also relevant. By generating electricity in the same place where it is consumed, transportation costs and losses in the grid are reduced. In the long term, municipalities adopting this model could save on energy infrastructure while promoting a more efficient and modern urban environment.
Finally, this technology reinforces environmental awareness among citizens. Walking becomes a doubly positive act: not only is it a healthy means of transportation, but also a contribution to clean energy generation. Thus, piezoelectric floors manage to integrate sustainability, innovation, and citizen participation in a single step.
