Google- Revolutionary Potential: A recent study finds that covering the world’s highways with solar panels could generate 17,578 TWh annually, exceeding 60% of global electricity consumption in 2023.
- Study Insights: Published in Earth’s Future, the research highlights that solar panels on highways could produce over four times the annual energy output of the US and cut 28.78% of current CO2 emissions. Additionally, it could reduce global traffic deaths by 10.8%.
- Ideal Locations: Key regions for deployment include eastern China, Western Europe, and the US East Coast, though setup and maintenance costs pose challenges.
- Future Outlook: Lead author Ling Yao emphasizes the need for pilot programs to validate the feasibility of this large-scale photovoltaic installation and its impact on carbon emissions and traffic safety.
Source: PV Magazine
Roofing Highways With Solar Panels Substantially Reduces Carbon Emissions and Traffic Losses