Hi Tech Gadget

A paving slab that generates energy from footsteps may be coming to a high street near you soon. Made from recycled materials, including rubber from old tyres, Pavegen paving slabs have recently been trialled in East London and will continue to be tested in other locations around the UK.

The slabs, which move 5mm under each footstep, covert the kinetic energy to electricity which is then stored under the slab. The slabs glow when stepped on indicating that power is being generated, though this uses only 5% energy. Installing Pavegen slabs at locations such as pedestrian crossings could make pedestrians more visible and improve road safety.

In a busy shopping precinct or train station the slabs have the potential to generate significant levels of energy. This power could then be used to illuminate lights, signs and shops in the area. Each Pavegen slab has an estimated lifetime of 20 million steps and, depending on foot traffic, the payback period for a slab could be as little as one year. What a cool way to recycle waste!