Piezoelectric floor tiles represent a novel and increasingly viable solution for addressing Africa’s growing energy demands, especially within the context of rapid urbanization and widespread energy poverty. These systems work by converting mechanical energy, such as that from footsteps, into electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect. The piezoelectric effect is a property of certain materials to generate electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. This technology is particularly compelling in regions with dense pedestrian traffic, making it highly applicable across Africa’s bustling cities and public spaces where human movement is abundant. With many African households and institutions lacking access to reliable and affordable electricity, integrating piezoelectric tiles into everyday environments offers an innovative approach to decentralizing energy production [1], [2].

Piezoelectric technology operates on the principle that specific materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), piezoelectric ceramics, and polymer-based compounds like PVDF can generate electric charges when stressed. The configuration of these materials into transducers embedded in floor tiles allows kinetic energy from walking to be captured and converted into electrical energy. Systems such as the Waynergy Floor and Sustainable Energy Floor demonstrate varying energy outputs, ranging from 10 to 25 watts per square meter, depending on the design and materials used [2]. While individual energy contributions may appear minimal, their cumulative impact in high-footfall areas is significant, with one study showing that a single person can generate up to 4.3 watts while walking on piezoelectric tiles [1]. These systems can power streetlights, Wi-Fi routers, sensors, and low-energy electronics, reducing reliance on conventional electricity grids and promoting energy autonomy.

Africa's energy landscape remains fragmented, with many regions relying on inconsistent grid power or expensive fuel-based alternatives. Urban centers like Cairo face acute energy shortages, especially in densely populated areas where traditional infrastructure struggles to meet growing demands. Research conducted in Cairo demonstrated that piezoelectric installations in high-traffic areas could generate approximately 21,974.4 units of electricity in a single academic year. Projected over two decades, this figure climbs to over 3 million units of electricity, underscoring the long-term viability of such systems¹. Beyond the raw numbers, these technologies also offer urban planning advantages. Systems like Pavegen not only harvest energy but also collect real-time pedestrian data, enabling smarter city infrastructure and traffic management [2].

Several case studies highlight the strategic applications of piezoelectric systems across different African environments. In urban centers, bus stations, malls, train terminals, and busy sidewalks provide ideal conditions for energy harvesting due to their consistent pedestrian volumes. Commercial hubs can utilize harvested electricity for signage, lighting, and public amenities. In academic institutions, where student traffic is concentrated and predictable, tiles can support lighting systems and digital infrastructure. Even rural communities can benefit from the technology, particularly where off-grid solutions are required for phone charging stations, lighting, or powering community radios [3]. The modularity and low-maintenance nature of these systems make them adaptable across a wide range of settings with minimal operational disruptions.

However, despite its potential, piezoelectric energy harvesting is not without challenges. High initial installation costs remain a significant barrier, especially for municipalities and developers operating within limited budgets. Although the long-term benefits, including lower grid dependency and reduced infrastructure demands, can offset these costs, the upfront financial hurdle cannot be ignored [4]. Technical limitations also exist. Piezoelectric systems typically generate low voltage and current, requiring sophisticated circuitry to rectify, store, and regulate output [5]. System performance is affected by foot traffic intensity, environmental conditions, and material fatigue over time. Moreover, limited awareness and a lack of local technical expertise can lead to poor maintenance, reducing system lifespan and effectiveness [6], [7].

Overcoming these obstacles requires a coordinated and strategic approach. Cost reduction can be achieved through material innovation and scaled manufacturing, making systems more accessible to low-income regions. Research into more efficient piezoelectric materials and optimized transducer configurations, such as cantilever beams and stack-type designs, can enhance energy yields without increasing costs[6]. Public-private partnerships and innovative financing schemes can provide necessary capital, especially in commercial areas where the dual utility of energy generation and data collection offers strong return on investment. Community involvement is also crucial. Empowering local engineers and technicians through training programs ensures the sustainability and scalability of these projects while fostering local ownership and economic development [8].

Policymakers play a pivotal role in mainstreaming piezoelectric technology. By including piezoelectric systems in national renewable energy strategies, governments can provide incentives, establish favorable regulatory environments, and drive adoption through public infrastructure projects. Incorporating kinetic energy harvesting into urban planning codes and building regulations ensures that future developments integrate these technologies from the outset. Pilot projects, particularly in universities, airports, and government facilities, can serve as testbeds for larger-scale implementations. These pilots not only validate technological feasibility but also generate vital performance data that can inform further deployments across diverse urban landscapes [2], [6].

Piezoelectric floor tiles, as a renewable energy innovation, offer a sustainable, decentralized, and environmentally friendly method for supplementing Africa’s energy systems. Their ability to harness everyday human activity into useful electricity speaks to a broader vision of energy democratization and technological adaptation suited to the continent’s unique challenges. While their current limitations must be acknowledged, the potential benefits, ranging from enhanced urban infrastructure to improved energy access in underserved communities, are too significant to ignore. With the right investments, policy support, and stakeholder engagement, piezoelectric floor tiles could become a vital piece of Africa’s energy puzzle, turning footsteps into a symbol of progress, sustainability, and empowerment.

Written By: Luckman Aborah Yeboah, Samuel Osei-Amponsah, Marcellus Commodore

References

[1]​H. Bamoumen, H. El Hafdaoui, and A. Khallaayoun, “Feasibility Study of a Piezoelectric Footstep Power Generator for Smart University Campus,” Proceedings of 2024 1st Edition of the Mediterranean Smart Cities Conference, MSCC 2024, 2024, doi: 10.1109/MSCC62288.2024.10697059.

[2]​N. Khalid, G. El-Gohary, and S. Shoukry, “Towards elimination of energy poverty in Cairo by using piezoelectric tiles,” Mar. 2024. Accessed: Apr. 11, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://journals.ekb.eg/article_391396_fb44b684d8e969a71ec5b0350ae14db2.pdf

[3]​B. Amuzu-Sefordzi, K. Martinus, P. Tschakert, and R. Wills, “Disruptive innovations and decentralized renewable energy systems in Africa: A socio-technical review,” Energy Res Soc Sci, vol. 46, pp. 140–154, Dec. 2018, doi: 10.1016/J.ERSS.2018.06.014.

[4]​M. Yaqoot, P. Diwan, and T. C. Kandpal, “Review of barriers to the dissemination of decentralized renewable energy systems,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 58, pp. 477–490, May 2016, doi: 10.1016/J.RSER.2015.12.224.

[5]​M. Z. Azmi and S. F. Syed Adnan, “Energy Generating from Footsteps on Piezoelectric Module,” IEACon 2024 - 2024 IEEE Industrial Electronics and Applications Conference, pp. 152–156, 2024, doi: 10.1109/IEACON61321.2024.10797263.

[6]​A. Aabid et al., “A Systematic Review of Piezoelectric Materials and Energy Harvesters for Industrial Applications,” Sensors (Basel), vol. 21, no. 12, p. 4145, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.3390/S21124145.

[7]​M. Himabindu et al., “Employing Piezoelectricity to Generate Sustainable Energy with Green Harmonics,” E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 529, p. 02017, May 2024, doi: 10.1051/E3SCONF/202452902017.

[8]​S. Pachauri, O. Coldrey, G. Falchetta, and S. Pelz, “Innovation in distributed energy services for sustainable development: case studies from sub-Saharan Africa,” Environmental Research Letters, vol. 19, no. 11, p. 114090, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/AD8460.