Energy harvesting refers to the technology to scavenge and convert small amounts of unused ambient energy (such as sunlight, vibrations, heat and electromagnetic waves) into electricity.
Although it existed since the 1970s, technological development and commercialization of energy harvesting have been made since around 2000, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, as indispensable technology for realizing the ubiquitous network society and IoT (Internet of Things) because it requires no battery charging or fuel supply. In Japan, the Energy Harvesting Consortium (EHC) was established in 2010, at which endeavors have been made toward commercialization and practical application of the technology. Going forward, it is expected that energy harvesting will be utilized as the power supply for sensors, which are components needed for IoT, and wearable terminals.
