Motorways generate energy
In the search for new ways to generate green energy, motorways are now being targeted. But while people in Germany are still thinking about whether motorways should be covered with photovoltaic systems, for example, concrete steps have already been taken in Switzerland and Turkey.
Where else can solar cells be installed? On the roofs of buildings, of course, or in the deserts of North Africa. An idea on how to install solar cells without building up land is now being implemented in Switzerland. There, motorways are to be used to generate solar power. The first pilot project was started last year: The six-metre high and ten-metre large solar roof was stretched over a motorway for 17 metres. A rather short distance, however, but in this way the Swiss were able to test for several months how the system runs in operation. It was so convincing that they are now planning to cover a 1.6-kilometre stretch of motorway in the canton of Valais from the beginning of 2023. This will be able to supply around 5000 households with electricity. Furthermore, Energy Minister Sommaruga is having all stretches of motorway tested for their solar suitability. After deducting the tunnel sections, that's still 1300 kilometres. In Switzerland, the so-called galleries along the motorways are also to be equipped with solar cells: These are motorways that run along a slope and are already covered to protect against debris and avalanches. In addition, noise barriers are also to be equipped with photovoltaics. According to estimates, 700 kilometres could already replace about two-thirds of Switzerland's nuclear power.
In Germany, with its 13,000 kilometres (not counting the tunnels), it would be even more worthwhile to install solar panels. If you covered them all (which is not possible in practice), you would have a solar surface as big as the city of Bremen. In theory, this could cover a third of the annual demand of households in Germany. Provided, of course, that the sun shines in sufficient quantities.
Another possibility to generate electricity along motorways is offered by wind turbines made by a Turkish company. The columns, which are about one to two metres high, have vertical rotor blades and are to be set up at short intervals wherever there is a lot of wind from passing vehicles. At the moment, the system is being tested in detail in Istanbul. A serious advantage is the installation: it is much easier and faster than covering an entire motorway.
So there are still many ideas and possibilities to use the many kilometres of motorway positively and sustainably.