Go! When the highway becomes an electricity producer

The demand for electricity for cell phones, lights, cars, etc. is increasing. Renewable energies such as solar power offer great potential for this, especially on the highway.

Swiss highways offer enormous potential for electricity production.

Electromobility is growing rapidly, and with it the demand for electricity.

But the solution could lie directly above us - or rather: above our highways.

In Switzerland, work is already underway to use areas along the highway to generate electricity.

Lukas Studer from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) explains: "This system on the Sonnenhof Tunnel in Bern generates around 470,000 kWh per year. It not only supplies the tunnel, but also other facilities in the vicinity."

Freeway: more than just asphalt

There are numerous unused areas along the Swiss highway that are ideal for photovoltaic systems.

Lukas Studer emphasizes the previously untapped potential: "Previously, we were only able to build systems where we had large electricity consumers such as tunnels. Now, thanks to a change in the National Roads Ordinance, we can make these areas available for renewable energies."

The use of noise barriers, rest area roofs and tunnel roofs for photovoltaic systems is becoming increasingly common.

These systems supply electricity directly where it is needed, for example for fast-charging stations for electric cars.

A project takes shape

Joel Ryf, project manager for solar issues at Agrola, describes the challenges and special features of such projects: "Compared to normal PV systems, we have to take special structural requirements into account here, as we are on a highway superstructure."

Safety and nature conservation also play a major role. Ryf adds: "We have a protected species of lily on part of the site, so we weren't allowed to build there either."

The potential is enormous

According to Lukas Studer, FEDRO has estimated that motorways have a potential of around 55 GWh for renewable energies.

"That's quite a lot of potential that we have available here," says Studer.

With 55 GWh, more than 900,000 electric cars could be fully charged. This figure could even increase if rest areas and existing facilities are included.

Future prospects

The expansion and conversion of the Swiss road network should make a significant contribution to the energy transition.

"Solar power is very important for the Swiss electricity mix and makes us less dependent on fossil fuels," explains Ryf.

Lukas Studer is optimistic about the expansion of the project: "There are already cantons that have analyzed their roads and put areas out to tender. It's great to see that the idea has been well received."

Working together for a sustainable future

The collaboration between the federal government, cantons and the private sector shows what is possible. It not only helps to secure the electricity supply, but also to make it more sustainable.