Powercast’s Wireless Solutions: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Internet of Things
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, the environmental impact of its proliferation becomes increasingly evident. The United Nations reports that global electronic waste (e-waste) is rising by 2.6 million metric tons annually, with projections estimating it will reach 82 million tons by 2030. Alarmingly, in the U.S., only about 15% of e-waste is recycled, leading to millions of batteries ending up in landfills each year. (prnewswire.com)
The E-Waste Dilemma
A significant contributor to this growing e-waste crisis is the mismatch between the longevity of IoT devices and the short lifespan of their batteries. Many IoT devices are designed to last a decade, yet their batteries often need replacement every two years or less, exacerbating the waste problem. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Department of Energy have identified battery waste as a major barrier to domestic supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability. (prnewswire.com)
Powercast’s Wireless Power Solutions
Addressing these challenges, Powercast Corporation offers innovative wireless power solutions that eliminate the need for disposable batteries. By harnessing radio frequency (RF) energy, Powercast’s technology powers IoT devices wirelessly, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs. Designed for seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes, Powercast enables companies to transition to sustainable solutions with minimal disruption. (prnewswire.com)
Industry and Government Support
The adoption of wireless power solutions is gaining momentum, supported by both industry growth and government investment. The North American energy harvesting market, valued at $226 million in 2024, is projected to more than double by 2034, driven by IoT and smart infrastructure. U.S. agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture, are investing heavily in renewable energy and energy-harvesting technologies, aligning with national and international commitments to reduce electronic waste and promote greener technology. (prnewswire.com)
Beyond Devices: Powering the IoT Infrastructure
Powercast emphasizes the importance of viewing IoT not just as a collection of smart gadgets but as an underlying infrastructure that enables seamless connectivity and automation. Central to this infrastructure are IoT sensors that collect, transmit, and act on data—from warehouse inventory tracking to crop monitoring. Powercast’s wireless solutions deliver energy to these devices over long distances, with minimal maintenance and zero battery waste. (prnewswire.com)
Advancements in Wireless Power Technology
In partnership with key developers, Powercast is advancing a new generation of Powerharvester® chips. These proprietary chips have been tested to wirelessly power data-transmitting beacons at ranges up to 200 feet, supporting critical applications like environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and smart agriculture—all without requiring batteries. (prnewswire.com)
Overcoming Cost and Adoption Challenges
Transitioning to energy-harvesting technologies presents both financial and logistical challenges. While initial implementation costs can deter manufacturers, studies show that these technologies significantly reduce maintenance and replacement expenses over time. The U.S. Department of Energy emphasizes that integrating energy harvesting into smart buildings and infrastructure results in long-lasting, maintenance-free sensors, offering operational and environmental benefits. (prnewswire.com)
Building a Sustainable IoT Future
As IoT adoption accelerates, the need for sustainable power solutions becomes more urgent. Powercast invites manufacturers, integrators, and innovators to collaborate in building a battery-free IoT ecosystem. By embracing energy harvesting, companies can reduce their environmental footprint and lead the industry toward a cleaner future. (prnewswire.com)
"As we look to the future, battery-free wireless power isn’t just an innovation—it’s a responsibility," adds Charles Goetz, CEO of Powercast. "We have the technology to power the IoT without polluting the planet. Now it’s time for the industry to act." (prnewswire.com)
About Powercast Corporation
Founded in 2003 and based in Pittsburgh, PA, Powercast Corporation is the go-to resource for wireless charging solutions, ranging from short to long distances and from microwatts to kilowatts, with the industry’s broadest technology portfolio backed by over 300 patents worldwide. We design, develop, and manufacture semiconductor chips as well as complete wirelessly powered products, enabling various levels of customer integration. Powercast’s solutions include RF power-over-distance charging, high-performance inductive charging systems, and low-power sensors with up to 25-year battery life. With flexible magnetic resonance systems, Powercast positions itself as the industry’s most comprehensive source for wireless power technology. (prnewswire.com)
References
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"IoT Battery Market Size to Hit around $22.7 Bn by 2030." Precedence Research 19 Oct 2024 3AD, precedenceresearch.com/iot-battery-market.
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"Electronic Waste Rising Five Times Faster than Documented E-Waste Recycling: UN." E-Waste Monitor, 20 Mar. 2024, ewastemonitor.info/electronic-waste-rising-five-times-faster-than-documeted-e-waste-recycling-un/
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"Mitigating Battery Waste in IoT: The Crucial Role of Ultra-Low Power Wi-Fi Connectivity Chips." Ubilite 31 Jan 2024, ubilite.com/media/blog/mitigating-battery-waste-in-iot-with-ultra-low-power-wi-fi-chips.
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"Battery Recycling Supply Chain Analysis | Transportation and Mobility Research | NREL." Nrel.gov, 2025, nrel.gov/transportation/battery-recycling-supply-chain-analysis.
- "Energy Harvesting System Market Size to Hit $1,980.75 Million by 2034." Precedenceresearch.com, Precedence Research, 2025, precedenceresearch.com/energy-harvesting-system-market
For media inquiries, contact Karla Jo Helms at JOTO PR™: 727-777-4629, [email protected], jotopr.com
Source: Powercast Corporation
