As part of its #makethefuture programme Shell hopes to draw attention to the future of energy through a community project in Brazil that uses forward-thinking technology. The global oil and gas company has recently revealed a football pitch in the midst of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas that lights itself from the power of footsteps on its surface.

The player-powered pitch in the Morro da Mineira community draws from Brazil’s football legacy and is intended to inspire the next generation of scientists to tackle the global energy crisis. The pitch was invented by a young entrepreneur hoping to give the people in the favela a safe and secure place to play at night-time.

Pedro Veiga, coordinator of the Rio+Social programme of the Instituto Pereira Passos (IPP) says, “To have a project like this on our doorstep will make a real difference to Morro da Mineira. Until it was redeveloped by Shell, the football pitch was largely unusable and many of our young people were being forced to play in the streets. You never know, this example of innovation might even inspire some of the kids to dream of being the next Isaac Newton!”

Shell’s #makethefuture programme aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering, leaving them prepared to find energy solutions for the future planet's needs.

André Araujo, Shell Brazil country chair, says, “By 2050, the world will be using 75% more energy than it does now. Meeting that extra demand will require a set of energy sources – and a new generation of scientists and engineers with the passion, ideas and innovation to develop it. The pitch proves the potential and power when scientists and entrepreneurs focus their efforts to develop creative and innovative energy solutions. By tapping into the world’s passion and interest in football, we aim to capture the attention of youngsters around the world so they think differently about energy and the opportunity of science studies and careers.”