The Hungarian startup Platio, which designed a modular energy-harvesting paving system made with recycled plastic, has now installed their first three systems.

Within a span of just two months, they developed projects in Hungary, Sweden, and Kazakhstan. And it’s not just sidewalks that now boast the solar pavers, but pontoons providing energy for ships, and benches where passerby can charge their smartphones.

Platio is helping to shape the future of cities with their solar paving systems. One creative use of their technology can be found in Budapest, Hungary, at Városháza Park, where their solar system stretches across a wooden bench.

The smart bench allows park-goers to power their phones or tablets with clean energy, using either a USB cord or QI wireless charging.

Read the rest of this article at Inhabitat.