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Scientists suggest a revolution on roads, transforming them into sources of clean energy and promoting greater safety for drivers.
Just imagine driving along a highway covered in solar panels, where every kilometer traveled helps generate electricity and also improves security in traffic? Well, this futuristic idea is getting closer to reality. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences presented a study that proposes covering highways with solar panels to increase energy production and, in addition, reduce road accidents. It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is an innovative solution to two major current challenges: the demand for clean energy and road safety.
But what is the reason behind solar highways?
The research published in the journal Earth's Future explores how to transform the vast paved space of highways into a platform for generating renewable energy. The idea is simple: install solar panels on main roads and even secondary ones. Thus, in addition to taking advantage of underutilized space, highways with solar panels could protect vehicles from bad weather, such as rain and snow, and also generate electricity.
Scientists calculated that if this technology was applied globally on around 3,2 million kilometers of highways, it would be possible to produce up to 17.578 TWh per year, with an installed capacity of 13.087 GW. That's enough energy to power millions of homes around the world. And the best part: with the right inclination of the panels, the efficiency of this energy production would be maximized.
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In addition to increasing energy production…
In addition to increasing energy production, this project has a direct impact on driver safety. According to the study, covering roads with solar panels could reduce deaths in traffic accidents by up to 10,8%. This is because the panels would function as a type of protective barrier, especially in regions where the climate is more severe. More visibility, better traction and fewer accidents: this is the perfect combo that scientists are proposing.
Construction and maintenance costs
Of course, a project of this magnitude doesn't come cheap. Construction and maintenance costs, including cleaning and energy efficiency improvements, are significant challenges. But considering the long-term benefits, both in terms of energy production and accident reduction, many experts believe it is worth the investment.
It is not new that highways are being analyzed for energy production
This is not the first time that someone has tried to use highways for energy production. In Europe, for example, Germany, Austria and Switzerland are testing solar panels over the A81 motorway in Baden-Württemberg. The project aims to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of this solution. In California, Swedish architect Mans Tham had the idea of covering highways with solar panels in the project Solar Serpents in Paradise, although it was never implemented.
Another interesting case was the pilot project in Normandy, France, where, in 2016, they installed 2.800 square meters of solar panels along a road. Unfortunately, the project was deactivated in 2019 due to high costs and problems with the durability of the modules.
In the United States, the project The Ray has remained active since 2015 on a stretch of Interstate 85 in Georgia where renewable technologies are being integrated into highway infrastructure
The idea of covering highways with solar panels is an ambitious proposal full of challenges, but it brings with it the promise to transform the way we produce energy and ensure safety on the roads. If implemented well, this solution could be a key part of the transition to a more sustainable and secure future for everyone. It remains to be seen whether governments and companies will have the courage to invest in this revolutionary idea.
This simple, practical approach could be the next big step in energy production and the safety of our highways. After all, who knew that the path to a greener future could literally lie beneath our feet?
