Dutch Provinces Utilize Solar Cycle Paths for Renewable Energy
Wattway by Colas
The Dutch have a strong affinity for cycling, with over 35,000 km (21,747 miles) of cycle paths weaving through the Netherlands. Two of these bike routes have been enhanced with photovoltaic cells, generating renewable energy as they stretch towards the sky.
The BAM Royal Group and Wattway, a subsidiary of the Colas Group, have collaborated to deploy Wattway Pack panels on 1,000 m2 of cycle paths in North Holland and another 1,000 m2 in North Brabant.
Wattway’s Innovative Photovoltaic Panels Applied Over Existing Bike Paths, Offering Trafficable Renewable Energy
In contrast to the ambitious Solar Roadways initiative and previous bike path installations in the Netherlands, Wattway’s “trafficable, renewable energy-producing photovoltaic panels” are applied over existing cycle routes without requiring surface removal; they are affixed in place using adhesive.
The photovoltaic cells in each panel are shielded by several layers of resin to safeguard them from the regular wear and tear caused by bike traffic. Additionally, the system includes an electrical cabinet with battery storage.
Wattway by Colas
Wattway Pack Concept, Launched in 2015, Shows Improvement and Commercial Success Since 2019 Launch
The Wattway Pack concept was initially introduced in 2015 and has been implemented at over 50 pilot sites globally, including a section of roadway in a Normandy village in 2016. It was officially launched commercially in 2019. The company notes a significant improvement in efficiency from 119 Wp/m2 to 148 Wp/m2 since its introduction.
The recent installation, considered “the first project of this scale in the country,” aims to generate 160 MWh of renewable energy in its inaugural year and beyond. While this may seem modest in the broader context, every contribution is valuable in the provinces’ efforts to achieve their environmental goals. The installations will be monitored and maintained for a period of 5 years.
Read the original article on: New atlas
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