How Are Motorways Generating Solar Energy in Germany?
Renewable energy is increasingly integrated into the sustainability strategies of companies, countries and individuals worldwide, and its production is rising.
However, in some areas, public opposition exists against wind turbines and solar farms. Consequently, companies are pressed to develop creative solutions to meet the rising energy demand.
In Germany, a novel approach has been introduced—solar motorways.
The concept of solar motorways
The notion of solar motorways was devised by the special-purpose association and the planned renewable energies innovation park (Innovationspark Erneuerbare Energien), established in 2017. This concept suggests utilizing less desirable land adjacent to roads for the installation of solar panels.
As noted by Volker Mielchen, Managing Director of the special-purpose association Landfolge Garzweiler, "In densely-populated Germany, infrastructural projects encounter resistance."
Consulting firm Drees & Sommer SE has conducted a feasibility study for the association responsible for the land's rehabilitation and reuse, Zweckverband Landfolge Garzweiler. This study explores the integration of motorway infrastructure with energy generation, aiming to enhance the public perception of solar energy.
"Routes and infrastructure can facilitate the production of renewable energy from solar panels on previously unutilized areas," said Volker. He further elaborated, "This could create synergies between energy production and wind and noise protection."
Viability of solar motorways
The 24-megawatt pilot project, spanning 30 kilometres in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, underwent checks to ascertain its legal, technical, and economic viability through a feasibility study by Drees & Sommer. "Our research has demonstrated the great potential of solar motorways for the development of sustainable infrastructure," stated Alexander Vorkoeper, Senior Consultant at Drees & Sommer.
"At 13,200 kilometres, Germany's motorway network is the fourth-longest in the world," he observed. This extensive network makes Germany an ideal testing ground for the concept, though not every motorway segment will be suitable due to various factors.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) reports that 5% of Germany's land surface is covered by transport routes, including motorways, parking areas and noise barriers. These areas alone have the potential for an additional 300 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) power. To contextualise, as of April 2024, Germany had installed photovoltaic systems with a total generating capacity of 81.5 gigawatts on roofs and land.
About Drees & Sommer
Drees & Sommer is an international consulting firm focused on construction and real estate, headquartered in Germany. Founded in 1970 by Gerhard Drees and Hans Sommer, the company now employs over 6,000 staff across 63 global offices. They offer a wide array of services including development, process consulting, infrastructure consulting, project management, engineering, and real estate consulting.
Well-recognised for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digitization in the built environment, Drees & Sommer operates as a partner-managed European stock corporation (SE), with all its shares held by active or former managers.
The consultancy works across several sectors such as healthcare and hospitality and manages about 6,500 projects worldwide. Drees & Sommer has expanded its UK presence through strategic acquisitions, like Procore in 2017 and AA Projects in 2023. Their mission aims to harmonize contrasts like tradition and future, economy and ecology to construct a sustainable world.
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