Trucks and cars on our roads not only generate pollution and wear and tear, but also kinetic energy . Harnessing this movement to generate electricity has been the goal of various researchers and projects worldwide.
These types of initiatives aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, decrease CO2 emissions , and contribute to the fight against climate change. Solutions that transform vehicle energy into electricity are already being developed in places like roads, highways, urban areas, ports, and supermarkets . The energy generated can be used to power streetlights , traffic signals, air conditioning , and even systems in tunnels and areas isolated from the electrical grid.
Innovation projects in kinetic energy
One of the most noteworthy projects is the one developed by engineer Peter Hughes in England, who created the " Electro Kinetic Road Ramp " system. This rectangular ramp, installed on the road surface, has a series of panels that move up and down as vehicles pass over them, generating mechanical energy that is then converted into electricity. According to Hughes, under normal traffic conditions, each ramp can generate around 30 kWh . With just four of these ramps, it would be possible to illuminate streetlights, traffic lights, and road signs along a 1,5-kilometer stretch.
The price of these ramps ranges from €24.000 to €66.000 , depending on their size and generation capacity, and studies indicate that the investment could be recouped within three to four years . Furthermore, the ramps have been undergoing trials since 2009 in British counties such as Ealing , in west London, at a port, and in a supermarket parking lot in Gloucester. At the latter, the energy generated by the ramps powers the cash registers.
Piezoelectric systems: technologies of the future
Another emerging technology is the use of piezoelectric elements , which are devices capable of generating electricity through the pressure exerted by vehicles. In this system, small generators are installed beneath the asphalt surface, about 5 centimeters deep. As vehicles drive over them, the pressure from the wheels generates a small current that accumulates and is transformed into usable energy. This system was developed by the Israeli company Innowatech and was first tested at the Technion Institute of Israel in 2012.
Another interesting proposal comes from the US company New Energy Technologies , which has developed the MotionPower Energy Harvesters system . This device generates electricity from passing vehicles at low speeds, such as at toll booths or parking lots, and can collect up to 20 kW of electricity when a car is traveling at about 8 km/h.
A similar approach has been used in France , where the first solar road project was developed . In the small town of Tourouvre-au-Perche, in Normandy, more than 2.800 square meters of solar panels were installed on the road surface, covered with a special silicon resin. This road already generates enough electricity to power the lighting system and serves as a pilot project for future implementations.
Advantages and challenges of energy-generating roads
The use of kinetic energy technologies and solar panels on roads offers numerous advantages . Among them, the most significant is the generation of clean energy , which reduces our carbon emissions and dependence on non-renewable sources. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective solution in the medium term, as the initial investment could be recouped in less than five years, depending on traffic and usage.
However, there are also challenges . One is the initial installation cost, which can be high in some cases. Another issue is that these types of roads may require additional maintenance due to heavy use, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Even so, the benefits outweigh the costs in the long run, and the development of this technology continues to advance.
Integrating these systems into existing infrastructure will not only improve energy efficiency but also positively transform how we manage energy in our society. Over time, these projects can be scaled globally, generating an energy revolution in transportation and road technology.
These initiatives, ranging from generating electricity through kinetic roads to the use of solar panels on roadways, are paving the way to a more sustainable future. As technology continues to develop, we will surely see more and more roads becoming electricity generators for the cities of tomorrow.