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Imagine if your everyday footsteps could generate enough electricity to illuminate a public space. Laurence Kemball-Cook has developed a pioneering technology that captures the kinetic energy produced by people walking, presenting a novel way to generate off-grid power in urban settings. His invention transforms people’s movement into a sustainable energy source, addressing the challenges conventional renewable energy faces in cities.
Kemball-Cook established the company Pavegen with a clear goal: to provide affordable electricity without relying on traditional grids in metropolitan areas. The concept emerged during his tenure at the energy firm E.ON, where he explored alternative street lighting powered by solar and wind energy. However, he realized these technologies are less effective in dense cities—wind turbines perform best offshore or at height, and solar power is inhibited by tall buildings blocking sunlight. Recognizing that urban environments teem with pedestrian activity, he dedicated five years to designing and refining a system that converts footfall into usable power. Though initially met with skepticism, his breakthrough came with the implementation of flywheel technology, which stores energy from a single step by keeping the flywheel spinning for up to 10 seconds—continuous power beneficial to battery charging. This concept was successfully trialed at the London 2012 Olympics and has since expanded to 250 installations across five countries.
Examples of Pavegen’s technology in action include Telford train station, where foot-generated electricity charges mobile devices; a running track in Hong Kong that captures energy to power nearby building lighting; and near the White House in Washington DC, where 10,000 daily pedestrians help light a local park. The technology’s efficiency is maximized when deployed in locations with heavy foot traffic, such as major transit hubs or shopping centers. Installing these systems in remote or less frequented areas is less effective and presents logistical and financial challenges. Kemball-Cook notes that the potential is greatest in newly developed urban areas—for instance, Saudi Arabia, where entire new cities are being built, offering a chance to integrate Pavegen technology on a large scale from the start.
Looking ahead, Kemball-Cook highlights a generational shift in attitudes toward sustainability, with younger people increasingly valuing eco-friendly innovations. He observes, “There’s also a generational shift. Young people care more about sustainability. We’re at an inflection point where younger generations are taking positions of responsibility and see the value we bring. That’s why the next five years are critical.” He adds, “People have energy, people want to be fit, people want to be part of a community. When you generate energy with someone, you bond over it. You’d be like, hey, I’m generating energy for my city. That’s cool.” While initial installation costs remain high, the goal is to scale production and reduce prices so that Pavegen flooring can compete with traditional surfaces and be installed in the same way. “We believe the footsteps of millions can power cities in the future,” Kemball-Cook says. “We make energy fun.”
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