AR 
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A team of young Omani innovators from Sultan Qaboos University has proposed the installation of energy-generating corridors in public spaces to harness and convert the kinetic energy of footsteps into renewable electricity.
Energy-generating walkways – also known as Energy Harvesting Corridors or Kinetic Energy Paths – have gained traction in a number of developed countries around the world, but are still a novel concept in the Sultanate of Oman. If suitably designed and installed in high footfall areas, they can help adopters reduce their dependence on fossil-fuel based electricity.
“Our project focuses on energy-generating walkways, which utilize pedestrian movement to produce renewable energy. This idea aligns with Oman’s vision for sustainability and innovation in clean energy solutions,” said Rayyan Nader Al Jabri, a student of SQU’s College of Economics, who helped conceive the initiative along with fellow students.
“Based on our calculations, the walkways have the potential to generate a significant amount of energy, especially in high-footfall areas like airports, malls, and public spaces. This energy can be used for lighting, charging stations, or stored for later use,” the young scientist told the Observer.
According to Rayyan, the walkways provide an innovative way to utilize human kinetic energy for generating clean electricity that can be used to power lighting and other small electrical systems, thereby easing one’s dependence on conventional power.
Underscoring the promising potential for commercializing the technology in Oman, Rayyan and her colleagues were recently invited to present on their innovation to a group of officials from the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), as well as other agencies focusing on innovation in the Sultanate. Participants quizzed the team on the project’s potential to drive sustainable development during the session.
In particular, the study singles out Muscat International Airport as ideal for the installation of energy-generating walkways, given the huge number of passengers visiting the facility every day. Other areas with high pedestrian activity, such as major shopping centres, and public parks, also will make for suitable candidate locations, according to Rayyan.
The next milestone for the team is to secure the commercialization of the technology in Oman. “Our immediate next step is to showcase the project at the upcoming Scientific Festival 21, where we hope to gather further feedback and attract potential collaborators or sponsors. Post-festival, we plan to refine the concept and explore partnerships for pilot implementation.
Besides, we are also considering integrating solar energy with kinetic energy, the combination of which will help generate more energy and improve the overall efficiency of the project. We are excited about this addition and believe it will significantly enhance the impact of our project,” she added.
Rayyan also sees the deployment of energy-generating corridors as complementing Oman’s broader transition to a clean energy future characterized by investments in renewables and other green fuels.
“This technology has immense potential for commercialization, not only within Oman but also globally. It addresses the growing demand for clean energy solutions in urban spaces.”