December 16, 2024, China: The Jinan-Weifang expressway in Shandong province has become China's first zero-carbon expressway, featuring a 161.9 km stretch equipped with photovoltaic panels.
The expressway incorporates solar power generation installations along road verges, service areas, toll stations, and rooftops, achieving a photovoltaic capacity of 68 MW. Over its 25-year operational lifespan, it is projected to generate approximately 1.7 billion kWh of electricity, resulting in a carbon reduction of about 1.52 million tonnes.
Photovoltaic panels above tunnel entrances supply power directly to tunnel equipment, including an adaptive lighting system that optimizes energy usage based on external conditions. This system contributes to safe driving while minimizing energy consumption.
Additionally, a smart road network management system has been implemented, enhancing traffic efficiency and potentially reducing vehicle carbon emissions by 140,000 tons annually. The expressway employs advanced radar and video sensing technology to achieve a traffic event detection accuracy of over 97%.
At the Jinandong service area, a 20-hectare site features photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of 3.2 MW, generating over 10,000 kWh of electricity daily, equivalent to saving 1,200 tonnes of standard coal each year. This green electricity supports the operation of new-energy vehicles on the expressway.
As the number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) rises, with 4.7 million recorded this year, the demand for electricity at service areas is expected to increase, necessitating further green initiatives.