There would be plenty of space for PV systems on highways

21.11.2024

The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMDV) and the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) have had potential areas for PV systems on freeways analyzed. A register will soon identify them.

The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) has commissioned the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) to analyze the potential for the expansion of photovoltaic (PV) systems on federal highways. The results are now available. According to the analysis, there is plenty of space for solar modules along the highways. BDMV State Secretary Susanne Henckel said: "A total of around 250,000 potentially suitable areas for solar energy generation on our federal highways were recorded."

This corresponds to a total potential in the double-digit gigawatt range. In future, when planning the construction and expansion of federal freeways, her department should therefore always examine the extent to which the associated areas can be used for photovoltaic systems.

"We already created the legal framework in 2023 with the Approval Acceleration Act, which accelerates and simplifies the expansion of PV systems on and along federal highways," said Henckel. Together with Autobahn GmbH, the next steps necessary for practical application would now be initiated "swiftly", including a nationwide cadastre of areas.

Markus Oeser, President of BASt, added that electromobility makes an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions if the energy required is generated from renewable sources. "One approach to providing the required energy close to the consumer and thus reducing the load on the grid is the use of traffic-accompanying areas," he explained. In the study, the latest solar irradiation models were combined with a powerful GIS system. "At BASt, we are currently working on further refining the methodology for determining potential with the help of AI," said Oeser.

Study also determines grid connection points

As part of the study, a methodology was developed with which the photovoltaic potential could be determined nationwide for the first time and suitable areas could be localized. In addition, individual areas were grouped together so that they can be connected to a common grid connection point as spatially contiguous areas, thereby enabling cost-effective development.

Autobahn GmbH des Bundes is compiling a nationwide cadastre of the areas and facilities it owns that can be used in principle. The company then examines whether it can construct and operate the facilities itself, taking economic viability into account. If the federal government's Autobahn GmbH has no need of its own, it can in future grant interested third parties - such as local authorities, residents and investors - the right to use the corresponding areas for the generation of renewable energies by contract. The company is currently finalizing the necessary contractual regulations.

The study on the PV potential on the highway network is available on the Internet.

Author: Susanne Harmsen, E&M powernews