Innovative Projects from Around the World
The world is in a climate crisis and finding quick solutions to our ever-growing power issues is one of the highest priorities for many of the planet’s governments. Every year we hear of more and more stories linking natural disasters with the warming temperatures around the globe. Entire ecosystems are critically endangered, millions of people are losing their livelihoods, and mass extinction continues to sweep through our animal kingdom.
One of the fastest and most efficient ways you can push for change is by switching to renewable energy. There are many renewable options in the 21st century as the world’s brightest minds have been working on solutions for decades. However, arguably one of the most efficient of these options is solar. So, what are some great solar energy projects from around the world?
- Netherlands, Krommenie – Solar Panel Bike Path
This solar path is at number one due to its futuristic nature. This super impressive but also so sensible project gives urban greening a new look, everyone has heard and seen green walls but to turn paths into green energy though great technological inventions takes green infrastructure to a whole new level.
How have they made tarmac into solar panels? The SolaRoad bike path is made of concrete modules each measuring 2.5 by 3.5 metres, embedded with solar panels covered in tempered glass. To help prevent accidents, the glass has been given a special non-slip surface.
When the Netherlands installed the first solar powered bike path in 2014, it became a huge success. So much so that France has a plan to build entire solar roads that could provide up to 8 percent of the energy needs of the entire country.
- Australia, Adelaide- Solar “Tindo” Bus
In 2013, the city of Adelaide in South Australia put the first fully solar-powered public transit bus into commission. Called the “Tindo”, which is aboriginal for Sun, the bus can travel 125 miles from its battery storage before needing to recharge, which it does at base the Adelaide Central Bus station. It also provides free wi-fi and A/C for up to 40 passengers.
Best of all, it’s free for city residents (and visitors!) to use, transporting people between shopping centers, universities, and hospitals inside its green exterior.
3. NASA’s Vanguard 1
Appreciation is needed for historical innovations as of course not every solar revolution is a 21st century creation. The first satellite powered completely by solar cells was NASA’s Vanguard 1 launched in 1958. To this day, it remains in orbit as the oldest man-made object in space. This small achievement sparked a trend of using solar energy for space vehicles, many of which have been solar powered for nearly 60 years.
- China, Huainan- Sungrow Solar Farm
The world’s largest floating solar farm is now generating electricity at a former coal mine in China, according to The China Daily’s reports. More than six times the capacity of the previous record holder, the farm’s solar panels cover the equivalent area of more than 160 football fields as they float on top of the freshwater runoff that has filled the former mine.
The solar farm includes 120,000 solar panels with a total capacity of 40 Megawatts, we think this is pretty impressive.
- India, Cochin – International airport
This Indian airport, the seventh busiest in the country, is the first airport in the world to run completely off solar power. In fact, it’s not only 100 percent clean energy, its solar farm actually gives back energy to the electrical grid. The solar project, located near one of the airport’s terminals, has been a year’s long project. Looks like this solar investment is finally paying off.
- Your Solar Story
If you think solar panels are the right option for your sustainable future then here at Flowing Energy Solutions we can help. We have many years of experience in the solar power system industry so we can advise you on every step of your solar power adventure! There are of course many areas to consider and you’ll need some experts to advise you along the way. So, contact us today and speak with our solar energy experts about your new renewable future!
