The article A44: First solar windbreak in Germany should make motorways safer by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. You can always stay up to date with our newsletter.
The section of the A44 at the Garzweiler opencast mine is always in the headlines because of its susceptibility to wind. A solar windbreak could ensure more safety on the so-called “wind highway” in the future.
The A44 in the area of the Garzweiler opencast mine is particularly known for numerous accidents, road closures in strong winds and the resulting diversions. The reason for this is the high susceptibility to wind on the A44n section, which has already earned the motorway the nickname “wind highway”.
Already in 2023 there was one Report for Autobahn GmbH The recommendation was made to build a wind barrier for the section. However, this has not yet happened so far.
The solution to the problem could be according to the consulting firm Drees & Sommer Bring a solar windbreak. In a feasibility study, the planning office commissioned by the Land Succession Special Purpose Association together with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, Energy gGmbH and the TH Cologne, how the project could be implemented.
Solar wind protection could ensure more traffic safety
The solar wind protection for the A44n “wind highway” is a first part of the structural change project “Renewable Energy Innovation Park”. Ideas are brought together here on how the Rhineland can prepare itself for the future after phasing out coal-fired power generation.
The aim of those involved is to build an integrated energy system that provides for the generation, storage, distribution and use of renewable energies. One of the five sub-projects envisages the so-called “solar highway”.
In the area of the A44n, the “wind highway” could be turned into a “solar highway” and thus traffic safety could be increased at the same time. After completing the feasibility study, the planning office Drees & Sommer now recommends moving on to the planning and implementation phase.
These are the details of the project
The photovoltaic systems along the A44n and A46 motorways in the area of the Garzweiler opencast mine would be the first of their kind in Germany. According to the feasibility study, noise barriers, windbreaks and embankments could be built
For the “wind highway”, the implementation of this solar wind protection system would of course have the significant advantage of drastically reducing susceptibility to wind. Such a solar wall would of course also generate green electricity and serve as a model for other motorway sections.
The technical feasibility was proven by the feasibility study by Drees & Sommer. The experts assume investments in the double-digit million range. The decision for implementation now lies with Autobahn GmbH.
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The article A44: First solar windbreak in Germany should make motorways safer by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I think the development of A44, the first solar windbreak in Germany, is a great example of innovation in the transportation sector. By combining the use of renewable energy with infrastructure improvements, this project has the potential to not only make motorways safer but also contribute to sustainability efforts.
The use of solar panels in the windbreaks not only provides a source of renewable energy but also helps to reduce the impact of noise pollution and air pollution along the motorway. This can have positive effects on both the environment and the health and well-being of nearby communities.
Furthermore, the integration of technology in infrastructure projects like A44 demonstrates the importance of leveraging innovation to address pressing challenges in the transportation sector. By incorporating renewable energy solutions and smart technologies, we can create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation systems for the future.
Overall, I believe that initiatives like A44 are a step in the right direction towards creating a more sustainable and technologically advanced transportation infrastructure. I look forward to seeing more projects like this being implemented in the future.
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