Idle spaces on highways? China has already discovered how to use them to generate “clean energy” | Estadão Mobility | Electric Planet
2 min readThe road that connects the cities of Taiyuan and Xinzhou, in Shanxi province, north of China, received a test carried out by the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: The installation of photovoltaic panels in spaces without highway occupation. The power generators supply electric car chargers available at toll booths and service areas along the route, which is approximately 85 km long.
“The project effectively makes use of idle land and structures through distributed solar energy generation, ensuring a stable supply of electricity and mitigating carbon emissions,” says Chen Jianwen, project manager, in a statement issued by Chinese state news agency.
Also read: Electric stations: Rede Graal wants to install dozens of units on the country’s main highways
Roads with photovoltaic panels in Brazil
In Brazil, it is also common to find photovoltaic panels on highways. According to the Artesp (Transport Agency of the State of São Paulo), around 1,300 points spread across São Paulo’s roads are powered by solar energy.
The technology, however, has different uses than what occurs in China. Therefore, in Brazil, solar panels provide electrical energy for toll booths, illuminated signs, cameras and other inspection devices.
Facilities for zero-emission vehicles in China
China counted 24.72 million new energy vehicles at the end of July this year. Therefore, the country’s Ministry of Transport encourages the construction of photovoltaic structures on roads. In addition to Shanxi, the provinces of Shanghai, Sichuan and Hunan have also announced plans to install solar power generators on highways.
Also read: China wants to use drones to deliver luggage to airports
However, it is worth highlighting that the country’s commitment to decarbonization does not just focus on installing photovoltaic panels on highways.
Shandong province, for example, has been exempting drivers who use hydrogen-powered vehicles from tolls since the beginning of the year. In turn, the city of Jinzhong is developing fueling stations with the biofuel methanol, which are expected to come into operation by the end of the year.
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Author: Fellipe.leite