Traffic could create electricity

A possible new approach to creating electricity in Ireland has been suggested, as engineers claim to have developed a type of road that can make the power from traffic.


Developed in Israel, the road surface contains thousands of tiny piezoelectric crystals that generate electricity when squeezed together.

It is argued that 400 kilowatts of power, enough to run eight small cars, could be created through the surface being fitted to a one kilometre stretch of road.

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has stated that if the method does work then all motorists will be doing their bit towards supporting a cheap power source.

Andrew Davis, director at the ETA, said: “Government predicts a massive shift to electric cars, and it may be that roads themselves will provide some of the new fuel – certain vehicles could be powered entirely by the roads on which they drive.

“If these electric roads can be put in place without harm to the environment they would be a silver lining to the problem of heavy traffic.”

The electric road will be tested for the first time next month.

Meanwhile, Dublin Bus recently launched the country’s first ever eco-bus, attempting to show ways in which initiatives are being shown to help motoring have a positive impact on the environment.

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