A Scoping Review of Harvesting Human Kinetic Energy for Renewable Energy Production
摘要
In recent years, nations have explored diverse resources to advance Renewable Energy (RE) production. For instance, Saudi Arabia, in alignment with its 2030 vision, is actively seeking sustainable energy alternatives. One pivotal aim of this vision is to achieve a RE production capacity of 9.5 GW by 2030. Another critical objective is to elevate the proportion of individuals engaging in weekly physical activity from 13 to 40%. This study surveys existing literature on harnessing human kinetic energy as a renewable resource. Specifically, it examines research conducted over the past two decades on energy generation using equipment found in gymnasiums and fitness centers. Analysis reveals a growing interest in utilizing human kinetic energy for RE production in the past 15 years. Recent findings indicate that the share of renewables has surged from 1 to 10% during this period. However, few studies have explored the potential beyond gym settings for harvesting human energy. Notably, none of the reviewed studies have focused on Saudi Arabia, despite its commitment to enhancing public health through physical activity under the Saudi 2030 vision. Therefore, it is recommended to investigate the feasibility of employing gym equipment outside traditional settings to generate RE through human kinetic energy, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2030 goals.