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5 Apr 2013

Graduate’s cleantech firm to convert runners’ footsteps into electricity at Paris Marathon

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has commissioned Pavegen, the award-winning cleantech firm founded by a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ graduate, to capture the kinetic energy generated at the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon on Sunday 7 April. This will be the largest ever install of Pavegen Systems’ unique technology; comprising over 25 metres of energy harvesting tiles on the runner’s course, spectator-viewing platforms, and at other key points along the route.

Pavegen Systems’ CEO and inventor, Laurence Kemball-Cook, started to develop his ground-breaking technology whilst studying Industrial Design and Technology at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. Since graduating in 2009, Kemball-Cook’s company has raised investment, won a string of eco and design awards and secured patents in eight countries. Pavegen employs 25 people in its London HQ and works with agents worldwide to deliver installations ranging from the Olympic Westfield site and the BBC’s new HQ in London to offices in Chile, Sydney University and a dance floor in Singapore to mark Earth Hour 2013.

Pavegen’s innovative design converts the kinetic energy of footfall into electricity that is stored in a battery or used to power various applications such as street lighting, advertising, information displays, and communications technology. The Pavegen tiles flex 5mm when stepped on, converting up to 8 watts of kinetic energy over the duration of the footstep, i.e. 8 joules.

Pavegen tiles contain wireless technology that transmits data on renewable energy amounts generated by each unit. This information can be sent to any designated website for access by smartphone or computer. During the Paris Marathon, the data will be displayed on giant screens at strategic points along the street course. Pavegen tiles will span the Champs-Élysées and also feature at the Running Expo which will attract high footfall from spectators as well as all competitors.

Laurence Kemball-Cook said: “Pavegen could play a key role in the smart cities of the future. Imagine if your run or walk to work could help to power the lights for your return journey home in the evening. The marathon installation will help more communities and organisations see the opportunity for a viable new type of off-grid energy technology that people love to use and which can make a low-carbon contribution wherever there is high footfall, regardless of the weather.” 

He continued “our partners in the energy and infrastructure community have been quick to grasp the potential of a system that can be seamlessly integrated into existing architecture to generate electricity, without being connected to the grid.”

Professor Steve Rothberg, Pro Vice Chancellor for Enterprise at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ said: "Laurence is an outstanding ambassador for graduate enterprise. We recognised the merits of Pavegen in our Enterprise Awards in 2010 and in 2012 he won the Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Award.  The Paris Marathon will provide an outstanding opportunity to showcase the potential of this innovative technology.”

−ENDS−

Notes for editors

Article reference number: PR 13/55

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Pavegen
Pavegen is the invention of Laurence Kemball-Cook, 27, an industrial design engineer and graduate of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. The CEO and founder of Pavegen Systems began working on the idea in 2009 when he saw the requirement for renewable energy solutions where low-carbon technologies like solar and wind are not practical. Pavegen tiles can be used in both indoor and outdoor locations and work best where there is high footfall, such as retail and transport hubs. The technology is integrated, discreetly into the existing environment, underfoot. Permanent installations include UK schools, the HQ of a leading venture capital firm and an installation at Federation Square, Melbourne. Pavegen units are also available in modular form for use in exhibition and marketing campaigns, and have already been used by leading brands and organisations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Twitter: @Pavegen, #peoplepoweredplanet

For any press enquiries please contact: Roberta Rosa, Communications Officer, Pavegen
Roberta.rosa@pavegen.co.uk,  ++44 (0) 7450 474 510

Alex Johnson, Head of Communications, Pavegen
Alex.johnson@pavegen.co.uk,  ++44 (0) 7765 253 231

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

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