Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Roadways: Challenges, Advances, and Future Directions

As the global demand for renewable energy intensifies, piezoelectric energy harvesting from roadways has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable power generation. This systematic literature review analyzes 61 peer-reviewed studies to assess the feasibility, performance, and potential of integrating piezoelectric systems into roadway infrastructure. While technology faces challenges, such as high installation costs, limited energy output, and a scarcity of thorough economic evaluations, findings suggest it holds considerable promise as a supplementary renewable energy source. The review analyzes the operational characteristics and efficiencies of various piezoelectric transducers, identifies key factors influencing system performance, and evaluates recent technological advances. It further considers the broader socioenvironmental implications of deploying such systems, including potential benefits for green infrastructure development and urban sustainability. Spanning two decades of research, this study highlights the transformative potential of piezoelectric technology in reshaping energy infrastructure. It emphasizes the need for continued interdisciplinary research, particularly in improving system efficiency, reducing costs, and evaluating long-term economic and environmental impacts. By identifying critical research gaps and proposing future directions, this review provides a foundational reference for engineers, policymakers, and researchers focused on sustainable infrastructure and innovative energy solutions.