€3m European Project Aims for Sustainable Energy Harvesting

A groundbreaking €3.1 million European project is paving the way for a sustainable platform in energy harvesting. The SELECT (Sustainable Electronics for Energy Harvesting Applications) project has brought together key technology developers to create a complete battery-free platform tailored for IoT designs.

The collaboration involves low power microcontrollers from OniO, solar cells from Epishine, biodegradable circuit boards from Jiva Materials in the UK, and supercapacitors made from renewable lignin by Ligna Energy. This innovative platform is set to revolutionize the way energy is harnessed and utilized in electronic devices.

One of the primary applications of this platform will be in battery-free remote controls developed by 4Mod Technology in France. Additionally, Pricer in Sweden will utilize the platform for electronic shelf labels (ESL) that facilitate automated, real-time price updates, enhancing efficiency and accuracy for retailers.

The ONiO.zero microcontroller, designed for extreme low power and RF energy harvesting, is at the core of this platform. Paired with Epishine's photovoltaics, the platform is ideal for IoT and small electronics applications, starting with ESLs and remote controls.

The electronics industry, particularly the IoT and small electronics sector, faces significant sustainability challenges. Traditional solutions relying on disposable or rechargeable batteries are costly, high-maintenance, and detrimental to the environment. SELECT aims to replace these outdated practices with energy-harvesting technologies that tap into ambient sources like light and radio frequencies. By eliminating the need for batteries, SELECT is poised to significantly reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices, from production to disposal, ushering in a greener and more sustainable future for electronics.