The First Italian 100% Renewable Energy Powered Motorway |
18 October 2010 |
On January 1st 2011, 30 km of the A18 motorway connecting the cities of Catania and Syracuse, in Sicily, will be completely powered by the sun. 80.000 photovoltaic modules have been installed on three artificial galleries covering 2.8 Km of the motorway. The energy produced each year will be 12 million kwh, enough to supply the equivalent of 5 thousand houses. All the lights, galleries fans, information panels and emergency telephones will function producing no emissions. The project, which has cost 60 million euros, will avoid using 31 thousand tons of oil and save 10 thousand tons of CO2 emissions each year. This is not the only renewable energy project in Sicily involving a motorway. Photovoltaic panels will also be installed on the roofs of the A20 (connecting Messina to Palermo) service buildings to supply toll booths, lights and offices." |
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