Harvesting the Invisible: Power from the Electromagnetic Spectrum

By Mwikisa Kanguya

The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is a vast, unseen energy highway that permeates everything from radio waves that allow wireless communication to sunshine warming the planet. Using devices like photovoltaic cells, thermophotovoltaics, and radio frequency (RF) energy harvesters, power from the electromagnetic spectrum is captured and transformed into electrical energy that may be used. While thermophotovoltaic systems collect heat and re-emit it as infrared light to produce energy, solar panels absorb visible and near-infrared light and convert it directly into electrical power. To power small devices, RF harvesters gather ambient radio waves from sources such as cell towers and Wi-Fi. Space-based solar stations, wireless charging, and self-powered sensors are just a few of the advances made possible by these clean, renewable, and frequently wireless energy solutions. Utilizing electromagnetic energy has the potential to revolutionize how we power our environment in a quiet, effective, and invisible way as materials and energy capture technologies advance.

The Importance of Harvesting Power from the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Utilizing electromagnetic (EM) energy is becoming more and more important as we look for sustainable, effective, and clean power sources. An infinite amount of ambient energy may be gathered and transformed into electrical power using the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes everything from heat and sunlight to radio and microwave transmissions. This strategy not only lessens reliance on fossil fuels but also makes innovative technology like self-powered electronics, wireless charging, and solar systems in space possible. Using the electromagnetic spectrum offers a revolutionary possibility as the world’s energy needs increase and the need for environmentally acceptable alternatives rises. The goal is to use the invisible energy that already exists around us to generate power in a more intelligent, clean, and efficient manner.

Innovative Startups Harvesting Power from the Electromagnetic Spectrum

e-peas

E-peas is a Belgian company co-founded by Geoffroy Gosset that develops advanced power management technologies that enable wireless devices to operate using energy harvested from ambient sources such as light, vibration, or thermal gradients. Central to their innovation is the Ambient Energy Manager (AEM), a highly efficient Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) that controls the capture, storage, and distribution of energy within self-powered systems. These technologies are designed to reduce dependency on single-use batteries, aligning with global sustainability goals and regulatory standards. e-peas also integrates ultra-low-power microcontrollers to complement their energy harvesting solutions, supporting edge data processing with minimal energy consumption.

Atmosic Technologies

Co-founded by David Nakahira, Atmosic Technologies develops ultra-low-power wireless solutions aimed at reducing or eliminating battery dependence in IoT devices. Their technology portfolio includes Bluetooth® 5-based systems enhanced with proprietary features such as Lowest Power Radio and On-Demand Wake-Up, which significantly reduce power consumption during device operation. Additionally, Atmosic integrates energy harvesting capabilities, drawing power from ambient sources like light, RF, thermal, and kinetic energy, enabling longer device lifespans or battery-free operation.

Pavegen

Pavegen is a UK-based company founded by Laurence Kemball-Cook that develops flooring technology that converts kinetic energy from footsteps into off-grid electrical power and data. The system captures the energy generated when people walk across specially designed tiles, enabling applications in both temporary event setups and permanent urban infrastructure. This technology supports interactive and energy-aware environments while offering real-time data insights.

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