Germany's Highways Could Host 54.8 GWp Solar Power

• Germany’s highways hold vast solar potential, with studies revealing up to 54.8 GWp capacity—key to reaching 430 GWp by 2045! Explore the bright future ahead.

A recent study commissioned by Germany's transport ministry reveals that federal highways could host between 29.2 GWp and 54.8 GWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. The Federal Highway Research Institute conducted the study, highlighting that roadside areas present the most significant potential, estimated at 23.3 GWp to 48.6 GWp. Additional capacity could come from noise barriers (3.2 GWp to 4.2 GWp), parking lots (1 GWp to 1.2 GWp), and building roofs (0.13 GWp to 0.14 GWp).

This solar capacity could play a crucial role in helping Germany meet its PV expansion goal of 430 GWp by 2045. Notably, the study did not assess the potential for installing solar capabilities directly on road surfaces, an approach that is under consideration in a pilot project in Fribourg, Switzerland.

How could federal highways contribute to Germany's solar energy capacity expansion by 2045?

• Utilization of Unused Space: Federal highways have extensive areas alongside them that generally go unused. By installing solar panels in these areas, Germany can make productive use of land that would otherwise contribute little to renewable energy generation.
• Dual Benefits: Solar installations along highways could serve dual purposes — generating clean energy while offering shade to drivers and reducing heat absorption in adjacent areas, thereby potentially lowering local temperatures.
• Reduction of Land Competition: Placing solar PV systems along highways minimizes the competition with agricultural or urban land for solar development. This can help alleviate land-use conflicts while contributing to energy generation targets.
• Noise Barriers as Energy Producers: The study highlights the potential of integrating solar panels into existing noise barriers along highways. This innovative approach can provide sustainable energy production while simultaneously serving as pollution control measures.
• Enhanced Infrastructure Resilience: By incorporating solar energy generation into highway infrastructure, Germany can create a more resilient energy system that can remain operational even during adverse weather conditions, reinforcing energy security.
• Local Energy Generation and Consumption: Solar installations along highways can enable localized energy generation, benefiting nearby communities with reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lowering transmission losses associated with long-distance energy transport.
• Promotion of Technological Advancements: The interest and investment in solar technology along highways could spur further innovation in solar energy solutions, including better photovoltaic materials and improved installation techniques, contributing to overall capacity growth.
• Job Creation and Economic Development: Expanding solar capacity along highways could create numerous jobs in installation, maintenance, and operation of solar technologies, as well as in related fields, boosting local economies.
• Supporting Electrification of Transportation: As Germany moves towards electrifying its transportation sector, solar energy harvested from federal highways can help power electric vehicles (EVs) at charging stations, facilitating a more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
• Potential for Public-Private Partnerships: The expansion of solar PV on federal highways may open opportunities for public-private partnerships, encouraging investment from private companies that specialize in renewable energy, thus accelerating deployment timelines.
• Educational and Awareness Opportunities: Highways can serve as a visual representation of Germany's commitment to renewable energy. By installing solar panels, it can raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of clean energy.
• Regional Energy Policy Synergy: Integrating solar capacities into highway infrastructure aligns with regional energy policies and goals, supporting Germany’s commitments to climate action and energy transition strategies.

These factors combined illustrate that federal highways can significantly contribute to Germany's solar energy capacity expansion by 2045, aligning with national renewable energy targets and fostering sustainable development.