Electronics engineers continually search for sustainable, efficient and readily available power sources. Many popular products require frequent recharging or battery replacements, which are not always possible when people are traveling or working in remote areas. If electronics are inside the body as medical implants, replacing their batteries requires procedures that may be too dangerous for some patients to undergo. However, the world is full of kinetic energy, making it an enticing solution that could address power availability challenges.
Researchers, engineering students and academics have made remarkable progress by exploring energy-harvesting solutions that tap into existing resources. These have been historically underutilized because of the difficulties in building viable, user-friendly systems. However, recent examples have uncovered exciting new possibilities that could change how electronics engineers meet their products’ power requirements.
Identifying the top candidates for ocean current energy
Ocean currents cause predictable, continuous water movement. They are also easy to study since oceans cover most of the Earth’s surface. These characteristics have made researchers curious about currents’ kinetic energy-harvesting potential. Although some studies examined the opportunities by region, a 2025 initiative took a broader approach by gathering real-life data to explore the global possibilities, resulting in a larger dataset that enabled more comparisons between locations.
Researchers gathered more than three decades of data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Drifter Program, which tracks surface buoys by satellite to obtain information about mixed-layer currents, water temperatures and more. Their efforts created the most comprehensive assessment of worldwide ocean current potential for kinetic energy so far, showing the optimal locations for tidal turbines. The group made power density estimations based on currents’ locations and how they vary over time. They based their conclusions on over 43 million data points.
The results revealed South Africa and eastern Florida are among the locations that consistently show high power densities, meaning they may be good places to launch future ocean energy projects. Both these areas had power densities surpassing 2,500 watts per square meter — a value two-and-a-half times more energy-dense than wind power resources. The outcomes also suggested that the relatively shallow waters in these regions would suit ocean-current turbines.
Additionally, the researchers clarified that approximately three-quarters of the high power-density areas — representing about 490,000 square kilometers of the ocean — had energy levels measuring between 500 to 1,000 watts per square meter. That finding reinforces that even places with moderate power densities have significant energy-harvesting potential.
Proposing a battery-free pacemaker
Electronics engineers can choose one of four types of piezoelectric ceramics for applications requiring electromechanical transducers. However, they should consider the desired size and weight of the intended use case, as well as their project budgets. Energy-harvesting potential is especially appealing for devices placed inside the body because it could reduce the need for battery changes that must occur when the patient is under anesthesia.
Some groups have examined the viability of biomolecular piezoelectrics, which can generate kinetic energy from internal movements. For example, if someone’s heartbeat creates the energy for a pacemaker, it could reduce or eliminate the need for replacements. That was suggested by chemistry and engineering academics who published their findings in an academic journal and developed a concept for a battery-free pacemaker system powered by a piezoelectric transducer.
Although they had not tested their concept in patients to get accurate battery life statistics, the researchers believed that their device would provide steady DC power to the pacemaker and eliminate the need for future pacemaker replacements unless the circuits failed.
Making biomolecular piezoelectrics more eco-friendly
Elsewhere, researchers have expanded the possibilities by devising a new way to grow the organic crystals used in biomolecular piezoelectrics. They generate energy when tapped or squeezed, opening opportunities to use them in future medical devices or consumer electronics. This group generated power by squeezing amino acid molecules, which are found inside the human body as protein building blocks.
This approach uses silicon molds to shape the crystals into the desired shapes. Researchers say this is an economical, low-temperature growth method that offers versatility for numerous applications. This achievement builds upon earlier work whereby researchers used predictive models to estimate the energy generated by a biological material in response to applied pressure.
A doctoral student and the lead author of the paper about this innovation said it creates opportunities to transition to biomolecular piezoelectrics as high-performance, eco-friendly alternatives to currently used ceramics. They are also excited about the potential for their custom-shaped crystals to eliminate lead.
Although piezoelectric components still contain this element because no high-performance alternatives exist, some world regions — including the European Union, where these researchers are based — have restricted its usage. Additionally, an associate professor involved with the work said piezoelectric sensors generate approximately 4,000 tons of electronic waste annually. Meaningful progress in reducing it through alternatives could improve sustainability.
Converting the kinetic energy of footsteps into renewable power
The near-constant foot traffic in busy places makes these locations interesting candidates for technologies that could capture the movement-related energy there. Now, students at Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University want to add energy-generating corridors to crowded public spaces and harvest people’s footsteps for renewable power.
Their research indicates this method could power lights or charging stations or allow people to store excess energy for later use. Participants mentioned Muscat International Airport as an ideal location for these specialized walkways due to its daily high-volume usage. However, they believe shopping centers and parks are additional suitable places for installations.
The students presented their concept to the authorities overseeing and supporting Omani innovation in early 2025. Their next step is to find commercialization partners by demonstrating this energy-harvesting technology at scientific gatherings to stimulate interest and awareness. Although the Omani students did not reveal their technology, kinetic energy harvesting footpaths typically work by equipping each segment with a copper coil and permanent magnetic. The vibration of foot traffic field generates a small current.
The group will also examine ways to combine solar and kinetic energy to maximize the sustainability and efficiency outcomes. Although Omani authorities have set targets for clean energy transitions, the developers believe their innovation is globally applicable since many other countries have done the same.
Incorporating energy-harvesting technologies into existing infrastructure is a wise move because it emphasizes how everyone can support reduced dependence on fossil fuels by merely going about their daily activities.
Staying abreast of exciting developments
Using harvest techniques to capture existing kinetic energy is a fascinating way to invest in sustainable power. Electronics engineers and others will remain at the forefront of this progress, especially since so much of their work revolves around making products that will last as long as possible without frequent battery changes. Capitalizing on motion within the world, people’s bodies or other lesser-examined sources could be instrumental in a more energy-responsible future.
About the author
Ellie is a freelance writer who also works as an associate editor for Revolutionized.com. She covers the latest innovations in the tech and science space for an audience of industry professionals.
