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Authorities in the province of Utrecht, central Netherlands, have recently unveiled the world's longest solar-powered bike path. Spanning approximately 330m, this innovative pathway is constructed with solar panels integrated into precast concrete blocks. These blocks are coated with a thin, translucent layer designed to protect and allow sunlight absorption into the solar panels embedded within.As a result, they are capable of generating enough electricity to power 40 homes, with an efficiency boost of around 70% compared to traditional rooftop solar panels. The project's total cost is estimated at about 1.3 million Euros, making the transition from conventional bike lanes to this type a costly and challenging endeavor. However, if successful, mass production could significantly reduce costs.
This pilot project aims to test whether multi-functional roads like this can be more widely adopted, aligning with the criteria set by the province of Utrecht as it seeks solutions to reduce carbon emissions.According to Arne Schaddelee, an official stated: “We want to become more environmentally and climate-friendly by 2040. Therefore, we must dare to innovate, be creative. The province of Utrecht is already very scarce in space, which is why we need to try multi-purpose products. So, a road that encourages cycling while generating energy for households is a good solution.”Solar energy roads have appeared in many provinces and cities in the Netherlands. However, the newly inaugurated road in Utrecht is the longest ever developed not only in the Netherlands but also in the world.According to Dutchnews
