Ligna Energy, in collaboration with a well-known group of innovators, has secured a substantial grant for the SELECT project (Sustainable Electronics for Energy Harvesting Applications). This groundbreaking initiative focuses on the development of a scalable platform for energy harvesting applications, utilizing highly sustainable electronic components. The total project budget amounts to an impressive €3.1 million.

Our consortium includes some of Europe’s most talented experts, all dedicated to addressing the significant sustainability challenges facing the electronics industry through advanced technology and eco-friendly solutions. We extend our sincere appreciation to our esteemed partners:

  • ONiO AS (Norway): Leading with ultra-low power microcontrollers for energy harvesting.
  • Epishine AB (Sweden): Organic photovoltaics optimized for indoor light.
  • Ligna Energy AB (Sweden): Innovating eco-friendly supercapacitors from renewable materials.
  • Jiva Materials Ltd (UK): Crafting fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB laminates.
  • 4MOD Technology SAS (France): Developing next-gen remote controls.
  • Pricer AB (Sweden): Pioneering batteryless electronic shelf labels.

Project Overview and Goals

The SELECT project is all about creating a new, scalable platform for energy harvesting (EH) using sustainable electronic components. Here’s what we’re cooking up for the platform:

  • Utilizing the ONiO.zero microcontroller tailored for extreme low power and EH (ONiO).
  • Modules for EH from radio frequency (ONiO) and photovoltaics (Epishine).
  • A bio-based supercapacitor (Ligna Energy) for energy storage.
  • A fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB laminate (Jiva Materials).

This platform is designed for various IoT and small electronics applications, starting off with electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and remote controls. We’re tackling the industry’s reliance on polluting materials and greenhouse gas-heavy processes, offering a truly sustainable alternative for self-powered electronics.

Why This Matters

The electronics industry, especially the IoT and small electronics segment, is grappling with huge sustainability issues. Traditional solutions rely on disposable or rechargeable batteries that are pricey, high-maintenance, and seriously bad for the environment. SELECT aims to ditch these for energy-harvesting tech that draws power from ambient sources like light and radio frequencies.

By eliminating batteries, SELECT plans to slash the environmental footprint of electronic devices, from production to disposal. It’s not just about high-tech; it’s about a greener, more sustainable future for electronics.

Customer Cases

The SELECT project is all set to show off its potential with two exciting customer cases:

  • Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL): Imagine walking into a store where all the price tags update automatically without anyone lifting a finger! Pricer AB is spearheading this initiative to develop batteryless ESLs, making it a breeze to change prices wirelessly, and guess what? No more battery replacements ever!
  • Remote Controls: Have you ever dreamt of a remote control that never need new batteries? 4MOD Technology SAS is making that a reality with their next-gen remotes powered entirely by ambient energy. Say goodbye to hunting for batteries and hello to a sustainable future.

Economic and Environmental Impact

This grant is a massive boost, helping us and our partners push the boundaries of sustainable electronics. SELECT promises:

  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Using renewable materials and sustainable processes, we’ll cut down the environmental impact of electronic components.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Offering top-notch technical performance and sustainability, while staying competitive with conventional alternatives.
  • Market Growth: Boosting market prospects and sales for all involved, creating synergies and growing the energy harvesting market.

 

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Eurostars program for the support. This initiative is vital for fostering innovation and sustainability in the tech industry.