A Unique Force in Clean Energy

Piezoelectric energy is not a term you often hear in conversations about renewables. Solar and wind power usually lead that spotlight. But as founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, the future of energy isn’t built on one solution alone—it’s about embracing the full spectrum of sustainable possibilities, no matter how small or unconventional they may seem.

Piezoelectricity is exactly that: an unusual but promising way of generating electricity through mechanical pressure. And although it won’t replace your local solar farm, its potential applications—especially in urban infrastructure and transport—make it a field worth understanding.

From Compression to Current: The Basics of Piezoelectricity

To grasp what makes piezoelectric energy so interesting, it’s worth breaking down the basic principle behind it.

Certain materials, when squeezed, stretched or vibrated, can produce an electric charge. This phenomenon is known as the piezoelectric effect. The name comes from the Greek word piezein, meaning “to press” or “to squeeze”. When mechanical stress is applied to these materials, their internal structure shifts—specifically, the positive and negative charge centres become misaligned, creating voltage.

Quartz is one of the best-known piezoelectric materials, but it’s not the only one. Crystals like tourmaline and ceramics such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) are also widely used. These materials are already found in everyday items, such as lighters, microphones, and ultrasound imaging devices.

Where the Energy Comes From

Piezoelectric energy isn’t produced in great quantities—this is not a technology that will power cities. But as founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, in a world that’s shifting towards net-zero goals, even small contributions can have meaningful impact.

The real potential lies in using piezoelectric systems in places where constant movement is already happening. Think of city pavements, train tracks, or vehicle tyres. Anywhere there’s motion, there’s an opportunity to convert it into micro-energy.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The principle of turning movement into energy is being explored in several promising areas. Here are some of the most relevant and practical applications for piezoelectric energy:

• Smart pavements: These are sidewalks that convert the pressure from pedestrian footsteps into electrical energy, which can then be used to power nearby street lights or sensors.
• Roadway energy systems: Sensors embedded under asphalt collect energy from vehicle movement. Pilot tests have been run in parts of Japan and Israel.
• Wearable tech: Imagine clothing that charges your phone as you walk. Piezoelectric fibres could make that possible.
• Electric vehicles: Sensors in tyres or brake systems can help capture energy lost during movement—valuable for energy efficiency and data collection.
• Medical devices: Pacemakers or hearing aids could one day be powered by internal movements, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
• Rail and aviation infrastructure: Sensors embedded in tracks or runways can generate power for monitoring systems or signal lights.

Each of these ideas is still developing, but together they point to a future where energy isn’t just generated—it’s harvested from motion that’s already happening around us.

Why It Matters Now

Energy transition isn’t just about big gestures—it’s about incremental changes that accumulate over time. Piezoelectric energy won’t solve the climate crisis on its own, but as part of a broader ecosystem of clean energy solutions, it plays an essential role.

As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov has often emphasised, “you can’t overlook the small contributions—especially when the goal is to transform the entire energy landscape.” When a footstep, a passing car, or the tapping of a finger can generate electricity, it invites us to think differently about energy.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the promise, piezoelectric energy isn’t without its hurdles. The most obvious is scale. The amount of electricity generated is often minimal, which limits its application to smaller devices or low-energy systems.

Another issue is cost. While materials like quartz are naturally piezoelectric, others need to be engineered, and embedding these systems into pavements or vehicles isn’t cheap. Additionally, long-term durability under constant pressure remains a key concern—will these sensors hold up over decades of foot and vehicle traffic?

Finally, integrating piezoelectric energy into existing infrastructure requires cooperation between engineers, urban planners, and policymakers—no small feat.

That said, interest in the field continues to grow. As more pilot projects emerge and materials science advances, we may see solutions that address both the scale and cost issues.

Piezoelectric energy might not be the main act in the clean energy transition, but it’s certainly part of the ensemble. It’s a technology that quietly captures the power of movement and transforms it into usable energy—perfect for a world that’s increasingly looking for innovative, low-impact solutions.

And as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently noted, “It’s the unnoticed innovations—those beneath our feet or inside our shoes—that might one day change how we power our lives.”

If nothing else, piezoelectricity challenges us to rethink what energy can be—and where it can come from.

People Also Ask

What is piezoelectric energy?

Piezoelectric energy is a form of renewable energy generated when certain materials produce an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress. This stress can come in the form of pressure, vibration, or movement. The process is based on the piezoelectric effect, a phenomenon discovered in the 19th century. When these materials—often crystals like quartz or specific ceramics—are compressed or stretched, the alignment of electrical charges within them shifts, generating a voltage.

How does piezoelectric energy work?

The principle behind piezoelectric energy lies in the unique structure of certain crystalline materials. These materials contain atoms arranged in such a way that, when disturbed mechanically, their internal electrical charge distribution becomes uneven. This imbalance creates an electrical potential, which can then be harnessed as energy. The process is reversible too—applying an electric field can deform the material, making it useful in both sensors and actuators.

What materials are used in piezoelectric energy systems?

Several materials exhibit piezoelectric properties, with varying degrees of efficiency. These include:

• Natural crystals: Quartz, tourmaline, and Rochelle salt
• Ceramics: Lead zirconate titanate (PZT), barium titanate
• Polymers: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)

Ceramics like PZT are widely used due to their strong piezoelectric response, stability, and adaptability for industrial applications.

What are the main applications of piezoelectric energy?

Piezoelectric energy has a wide range of potential and actual applications, particularly in sectors where small amounts of energy can be harvested from regular movement. Common uses include:

• Wearable electronics: Harvesting energy from body movement to power smart watches or fitness trackers.
• Infrastructure: Embedding sensors in pavements or roadways to capture energy from foot or vehicle traffic.
• Transportation: Integrating piezoelectric elements into tyres, brakes, or railways to monitor wear and generate micro-energy.
• Healthcare: Powering implantable medical devices like pacemakers using internal body movements.
• Consumer electronics: Activating or powering small components like sensors in remote controls, microphones, or touch pads.

Can piezoelectric energy be used to power homes or cities?

Not at this time. Piezoelectric systems generate very small amounts of electricity—suitable for low-power applications but not yet practical for large-scale energy production. They work best in situations where conventional power sources are unavailable or where energy can be harvested from repetitive motion. However, research continues to improve the efficiency and scalability of these systems.

Is piezoelectric energy considered renewable?

Yes. Piezoelectric energy is categorised as a renewable energy source because it relies on mechanical movement—a naturally occurring and sustainable resource. Since it doesn’t produce harmful emissions or rely on fossil fuels, it aligns with the goals of sustainable energy development, especially when paired with other green technologies.

What are the advantages of piezoelectric energy?

Piezoelectric systems offer several benefits:

• Compact size: Ideal for miniaturised devices and embedded applications.
• No external power source required: Generates energy independently from mechanical action.
• Low maintenance: Fewer moving parts and low wear-and-tear rates make it suitable for long-term use.
• Versatility: Can be integrated into many environments, from wearable tech to transport infrastructure.

What are the limitations of piezoelectric energy?

Despite its benefits, piezoelectric energy has limitations:

• Low energy output: Not suitable for high-demand applications or large-scale energy production.
• Material cost: Some piezoelectric materials can be expensive or require complex manufacturing.
• Environmental sensitivity: Temperature changes and humidity can affect performance.
• Durability: Repeated mechanical stress can degrade material properties over time.

Is piezoelectric energy currently used in any real-world projects?

Yes. Pilot projects and niche implementations are already in place around the world. Examples include:

• Smart flooring systems in shopping centres and transport hubs that use foot traffic to generate energy.
• Highways and roads in countries like Japan testing embedded sensors to capture vehicle movement energy.
• Medical implants utilising piezoelectric films to extend battery life or enable self-charging systems.

While these applications are still emerging, they demonstrate the real-world feasibility of piezoelectric technology in specialised contexts.

What does the future hold for piezoelectric energy?

The future of piezoelectric energy lies in material science advancements and integration into smart infrastructure. As research improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these systems, broader adoption in urban design, mobility, and electronics is expected. While unlikely to become a primary energy source, piezoelectricity is poised to play a key supporting role in the shift toward a decentralised, low-carbon energy future.