“Revolutionary” football creates energy

The world’s favourite sport can now help charge electronic devices, thanks to a “revolutionary” football which is able to produce and store electricity whilst it is being kicked around. The […]

The world’s favourite sport can now help charge electronic devices, thanks to a “revolutionary” football which is able to produce and store electricity whilst it is being kicked around.

The initiative, started by five Harvard students, could provide a power solution for developing countries.

Dubbed the ‘Soccket’, the ball is capable of producing enough energy to power a light for around three hours, from just thirty minutes of play. It is fitted with an induction coil in the centre along with a magnet, which moves forwards and backwards when the ball is in motion. The movement powers a motor and the electricity is stored in an on-board battery.

Commentators say it could be a hit in Africa. Chris Hurcombe, Managing Director of energy broker Catalyst Commercial, who has spent time on the continent said: “This is revolutionary. It has a huge potential to change people’s lives where there is no electricity… Most areas there are off-grid with no electricity… (The ball) would be a privilege out there.”

The ball costs only slightly more than a normal high end ball to produce.

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