UK train station harvests kinetic energy from commuters’ footsteps

The project at Leighton Buzzard station aims to show how untapped footfall energy at transport hubs represents a real opportunity to provide sustainable energy sources.

Leighton Buzzard train station in the UK county of Bedfordshire has installed two walkways made up of kinetic floor tiles that will use energy created from the weight of commuters’ footsteps to power two USB charging benches and a digital data screen.

Kinetic walkway developer Pavegen is working with Central Bedfordshire Council on the project, which aims to engage visitors, showcase the council’s green credentials and encourage other transport hubs to follow suit. The data screen will show commuters the contribution they are making as well as host other messages.

Smart Places project

The project has been funded by the Department of Transport through the £22.9 million Adept Smart Places Live Labs programme. It is one of eight local authority-led Live Labs aiming to transform local places and highways through piloting innovation across energy, data, materials and mobility. Adept represents local authority, county, unitary and metropolitan directors.

“The untapped footfall energy at our transport hubs represents a real opportunity to provide sustainable energy sources to power bespoke applications, while engaging audiences and encouraging behavioural change,” said Giles Perkins, Live Labs programme director. “This trial will help demonstrate the viability of the technology and could be a step change in the way transport hubs engage with commuters.”

UK start-up Pavegen will engage the 1.75 million community travelling to and from Leighton Buzzard, bringing messages to life and raising awareness for sustainability and the organisations dedication to it. Pavegen will be also working alongside Central Bedfordshire Council to demonstrate how digital engagement through the array can help the high street in these challenging times, using the reward scheme, through the supplementary Pavegen app.