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Imagine generating electricity with every step you take; that every time you drive or cycle, energy is sent to the national grid; and that even your workout is powering the lights and heat of the gym, replacing fossil fuel – sounds great, right?  Well, piezoelectricity is here.

Piezoelectricity is basically the use of certain materials to transform kinetic energy into electricity.  I wrote in another blog about the development of piezoelectric floor tiles that turn foot traffic into electricity; now the first practical installation of this kind is in place at a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Gloucester, England, where “kinetic road plates” are being used to produce 30 kW of electricity every hour. The company’s press release describes the process as a more physical process (plates are pushed down by passing cars to create rocking motions that turn generators) than a piezoelectrical one, but the broader concept of using transient motion to generate electricity is the same.

There’s no reason why this simple, cheap and sustainable type of energy conversion can’t be used in businesses and homes all over Ireland.  And genius scientists are also working on an even more Irish-friendly form of energy conversion: raindrops into electricity, in my next post!

Just think – right this second, millions of people in gyms across the planet are running, stretching, lifting weights, stepping, cycling and leaping around the place, God love them.  Imagine how many units of energy are being burned – and all of it simply floating into the ether, unused, untapped and unappreciated.  Now that may all be about to change, thanks to some imaginative inventions.  The “Bike Power Generator” is a stationery bike that can directly power some DC appliances such as water pumps, but is primarily designed to charge a deep cycle, 12-Volt battery.  For those of you concerned about bingo wings you can get the irresistibly-named Human Power Generator (power from the people!).  But wait – there’s more!  The very footpaths we walk (or jog) on may soon become part of the national grid, as brilliant minds have designed “Powerleap” (as seen on the Sundance Channel) - floor tiles that emit an electrical response to impact.  If jogging isn’t exciting enough for you, jump up and down!  Dance!  Do long jump!  You’ll be doing your bit for the planet.  These inventions are all so simple one might wonder why they weren’t created sooner, but a perfect storm of climate anxiety and new technology has allowed them to come to market now.  So the next time you’re feeling a little pudgy, hook yourself up, feel the burn and see the light!