Japan, globally recognized for its leadership in technological innovation, is once again setting trends with the implementation of piezoelectric floors in public spaces. This technology allows transforming footsteps into electricity, turning the daily pedestrian traffic into a source of clean and renewable energy.
The system is based on the principle of piezoelectricity, discovered in the 19th century by brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie, who identified that certain materials—such as quartz—can generate electric charge when subjected to mechanical pressure. In its modern version, piezoelectric ceramic or polymer materials are used under tiles, converting the mechanical energy from footsteps into electricity.
Technology Applied to Daily Movement
Each step generates a small amount of energy, but in places with high pedestrian traffic, the cumulative effect can be significant. This energy can be stored or used in real-time to power LED lighting, informational displays, and other low-consumption devices.
One of the most emblematic cases is the Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where since 2008, the piezoelectric panels installed at the entrances power part of the lighting system. The same happens at Narita Airport, where this technology harnesses the constant flow of travelers.
During massive events like festivals, Japan has also implemented temporary piezoelectric surfaces to power sound equipment or lights, reducing the use of traditional generators and decreasing environmental impact.
Benefits and Limitations of Energy that Walks with Us
Piezoelectricity represents a promising alternative in the development of smart cities. Not only does it help reduce carbon footprint, but it also allows harnessing human movement as a sustainable energy source, particularly valuable in densely populated areas.
However, this technology also faces challenges. Each step produces very little electricity, so its effectiveness depends on the number of people passing through the area. Additionally, installation and maintenance costs are still high, limiting its widespread adoption.
Nevertheless, technological advancements could reduce these costs in the future, paving the way for its adoption in more cities worldwide. Japan is already exploring integrating this technology with other renewable sources, such as solar and wind, aiming to develop more efficient hybrid systems.
The Japanese experience in this field serves as a reference for other countries seeking innovative energy solutions. Converting the energy from daily movement into a sustainable tool is another step towards designing cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities.
Manure is considered a new source of clean energy in Japan
What used to be a troublesome waste is now transformed into a source of clean energy. Researchers in Japan have developed innovative technology to obtain green hydrogen from cow manure, a solution that not only reduces livestock pollution, but also speeds up the transition to sustainable energy sources.
The process starts with collecting the manure, which is then introduced into biodigesters, where bacteria break down the organic matter in the absence of oxygen. As a result, biogas is produced, mainly composed of methane. This gas undergoes a high-temperature steam reforming process, obtaining hydrogen and CO₂.
To make the process sustainable, CO₂ is captured and stored, preventing its release into the atmosphere. Additionally, the remaining solid waste is reused as natural fertilizer, closing a circular economy cycle where each byproduct finds a useful application.
The environmental impact of this technology is significant. Livestock farming is responsible for large methane emissions, a greenhouse gas up to 25 times more potent than CO₂. Transforming methane into hydrogen not only avoids its release into the environment but also provides a clean fuel, whose use in vehicles and industries does not generate polluting emissions.
Source: Defonline.
