Japan is experimenting with an interesting method of generating clean and inexpensive electricity. They are essentially harnessing the power of pedestrian footfalls with a piezoelectric electronic mat, which is capable of generating an impressive 0.5W every time someone weighing around 60kg (132lbs) steps on it.

The energy generated by the 90cm (35″) piezoelectric mat powers a small LED display board with a running total of power generated, as well as a festive light display. It is set up outside Shibuya station in Tokyo to take advantage of the heavy pedestrian traffic. The mat is quite surprisingly only 2.5cm (0.98″) thick, making it comparable to the plastic walkway squares you see during sidewalk repairs.

Unfortunately, this novel installation seems to be a temporary demonstration of alternative energies rather than a more permanent fixture, as it will be dismantled after Christmas Day.

Now the Japanese have proven the technology works, they should line the pavements. Line the pavements I say! It may indirectly help cities like New York that are trying to encourage their citizens to walk instead of taking a cab or car. By walking you could not only prevent doing something destructive to the environment like burning carbon, but completely turn it on its head and do something immediately constructive, generating cheap, clean energy for the city. Should be economically viable too.

Sources:
ASCII Japan (Translated) and Lets Japan and SoundPower