Introduction
The European Union's Green Deal is an ambitious initiative aimed at making the EU's economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities.
One of the key enablers in this transformative agenda is the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the traditional IoT ecosystem, reliant on constant electrical power, presents a paradox. How can a technology that consumes energy contribute to a sustainable future? Enter the concept of Self-Powered IoT—a game-changer in aligning technology with the EU Green Deal's objectives.
The EU Green Deal: A Brief Overview
The EU Green Deal aims to make Europe the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It encompasses a wide range of policy initiatives, from clean energy and circular economy to biodiversity conservation and pollution reduction. The deal is backed by a €1 trillion investment plan, combining public and private funding.
The Traditional IoT Ecosystem: An Energy Guzzler
IoT devices are traditionally powered by batteries or are plugged into the electrical grid. According to a study by Transforma Insights, the global number of IoT devices is expected to reach 24.1 billion by 2030. If all these devices are powered by conventional means, the energy consumption could be staggering, countering the EU Green Deal's goals.
Self-Powered IoT: The Concept
Self-Powered IoT devices generate their own energy through various means such as solar, thermal, or kinetic energy. These devices use energy-harvesting technologies to convert ambient energy into electrical energy. For instance, a solar-powered sensor in a farm can monitor soil moisture levels, or a kinetic energy harvester can power a wearable device as it moves.
"Ben" - a concrete example of Self-powered IoT
"Ben" is the collaborative creation of Epishine, Ynvisible Interactive Inc., and Ligna Energy—three companies specializing in sustainable electronics, manufactured using roll-to-roll printing techniques in Östergötland, Sweden. Designed to measure carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and relative humidity, Ben transmits data via Bluetooth Low Energy.
The device is entirely self-sufficient, drawing all its required energy from Epishine's indoor solar cells and Ligna Energy's supercapacitors. Additionally, it features a display from Ynvisible that shows the temperature and emits a warning symbol if CO2 levels exceed safe limits.
Aligning with the EU Green Deal
Energy Efficiency
Self-powered IoT devices are inherently energy-efficient. They eliminate the need for battery replacements and reduce dependency on the electrical grid. This aligns well with the EU Green Deal's objective of increasing energy efficiency by at least 32.5% by 2030.
Circular Economy
The use of Self-Powered IoT devices promotes a circular economy by reducing electronic waste. Traditional batteries have a limited lifespan and contribute to e-waste. Self-Powered IoT devices, with their energy-harvesting capabilities, can significantly reduce this waste.
Carbon Neutrality
By reducing dependency on fossil fuel-based electricity, Self-Powered IoT contributes to lowering carbon emissions, aiding the EU's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Conclusion
Self-powered IoT is not just a technological advancement; it is a paradigm shift in how we think about energy and sustainability. It can potentially be a cornerstone in achieving the objectives of the EU Green Deal, transforming the very fabric of the European economy towards a sustainable future.
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