A solar-powered soccer pitch in Lagos also uses players’ foot steps to keep the lights on

A joint effort of Senegalese star Akon and Shell resulted to the introdution of Africa’s first ever solar-powered football pitch at the Federal College of Education in Lagos, Nigeria.

The amazing technology, which was invented by a British engineer called Laurence Kemball-Cook, is made up of 90 electronic tiles which are placed under an artificial turf. 

Seven watts of kinetic energy is generated, each time a player steps on a tile.

The project which is now active in 15 African countries and has provided nearly 35 million Africans with better lighting.

Pavegen technology makes use of pitch ‘tiles’ which generate electricity by capturing kinetic energy from footfall. The harnessed energy can power low voltage systems, like streetlights, or store electricity for later use.

One hundred of these tiles are laid underneath the playing surface of the soccer pitch, thus harnessing energy from the multiple movements of the players. The kinetic energy, combined with power generated from solar panels can power streetlights in the community for up to 24 hours.

Typically, as the amount of electricity generated is dependent on the volume of footfall, Pavegen’s technology is best suited for high foot traffic areas. As such, schools, sports centers, markets are practical targets. Laurence Kemball-Cook, founder of Pavegen, says the solar-powered pitch is a symbol of possibilities. “The project shows how the energy mix of the future will combine kinetic and solar power to improve sporting lives.”

Watch Video Below