Kinetic Pavement Tiles for Energy Harvesting in Public Spaces

What if the sidewalks and plazas in our cities could generate electricity with each step? My idea involves creating kinetic pavement tiles that capture the energy from footsteps and convert it into electricity. Each tile would contain piezoelectric materials that generate a small electrical charge when compressed by the weight of pedestrians. The generated electricity could be stored in small batteries underneath the tiles or fed directly into the power grid. This energy could power streetlights, public Wi-Fi hotspots, or even charge electric scooters. The tiles could be particularly useful in high-traffic areas like subway stations, stadiums, or shopping districts. One of the challenges would be ensuring that the tiles are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining their efficiency. However, this could provide a new, renewable source of energy, making urban spaces more sustainable and efficient. It’s a way to turn human movement into a tangible, renewable energy source.