Energy harvesting tiles to be installed for the French National Railway

Clean technology company Pavegen has been commissioned by the French National Railway Company (SNCF) to install six kinetic energy tiles in the middle of a corridor in SNCF’s Innovation & Research office in Paris. The kinetic energy harvested by the staff members of SNCF will illuminate LED strip lighting along the corridor. This energy will then be shown on an interactive screen indicating the amount of energy generated.

This is the first step, according to the company, to implement their technology in every transport environment in France and contribute to SNCF’s focus on research innovation and development. The company has pioneered a flooring tile that converts the wasted kinetic energy from human footfall into renewable electricity. Having previously worked with Schneider Electric, GDF Suez, Olympic Delivery Authority and Ferrovial in Heathrow Airport, Pavegen’s aim is to engage and educate the public on a sustainable energy resource, shifting perceptions on renewability.

SNCF is the single largest electricity consumer in France, accounting for 1.5 percent of the nation’s energy output, and with train operation accounting for 89 percent of SNCF’s power bill, ensuring efficient energy usage is essential for SNCF’s growth.

Pavegen’s first installation within the transport sector was in 2012 where their energy-harvesting tiles were installed in West Ham Tube station, one of the main stations leading into the venue for the London Olympics.

www.pavegen.com