Fact-Check Article: "Electricity Can Be Harvested from Radio Waves"
What We Know
The claim that electricity can be harvested from radio waves is supported by recent advancements in technology. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a prototype system that utilizes the electrical potential of radio frequencies to generate power for ultra-low powered devices. This system employs piezoelectric materials, which generate an electrical charge through mechanical stress, to convert radio frequency electromagnetic waves into usable electrical energy (RESET, 2023).
Additionally, a transparent device has been created that can harvest energy from both radio waves and sunlight, significantly boosting the power output of solar cells. This dual-source energy harvester is designed to capture energy from prevalent Wi-Fi frequencies, demonstrating efficiencies of up to 19.64% at 2.4 GHz (Interesting Engineering, 2025). These developments indicate a growing capability to harness ambient radio frequencies for practical energy solutions.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, particularly from credible academic and industry sources. The University of Central Florida's research is a significant milestone, as it addresses the challenges of energy harvesting from radio waves by integrating power scavenging and spectrum sensing into a passive module. This innovation could potentially eliminate the need for power-intensive sensing modules, making the technology more efficient (RESET, 2023).
Moreover, the transparent device developed by researchers, which can harvest energy from both radio waves and sunlight, showcases the versatility and potential applications of this technology. The reported efficiencies and the ability to integrate seamlessly into various surfaces enhance its practical viability (Interesting Engineering, 2025).
However, it is important to note that while these technologies are promising, the practical implementation and scalability of such systems are still in development. Some sources indicate that the process of harvesting energy from radio waves can sometimes require more energy input than output, which poses a challenge for widespread adoption (The Debrief, 2024).
Conclusion
The claim that electricity can be harvested from radio waves is True. The advancements in technology, particularly the developments from the University of Central Florida and the creation of transparent dual-source energy harvesters, provide substantial evidence that this is not only theoretically possible but also practically achievable. As research continues and technology matures, we can expect to see more applications of this innovative energy harvesting method.
