Luxembourg considers installing solar panels along motorways as part of renewable energy drive

Luxembourg’s government announced plans Tuesday to harness the power of its motorway network to generate solar energy, a new step in the country’s strategy to expand its renewable energy potential.

In a joint initiative, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works and the National Roads Administration have launched a study to assess the feasibility of installing photovoltaic panels along Luxembourg’s motorways.

The study, which is initially focused on the A3 motorway, aims to identify areas where solar projects could be integrated with ongoing infrastructure work. As the A3 motorway expands, officials see an opportunity to align construction efforts with solar development, potentially reducing costs and speeding up schedules.

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The initial results of the study are promising, but the results of a more detailed study covering the entire 165-kilometre motorway network in the country are still pending.

Strategic first step

The initiative is seen as a strategic first step in a broader plan to boost renewable energy production in Luxembourg, a national target set out in the country’s energy and climate plan. Under the plan, the government aims to achieve a 37% share of energy consumption from renewable energy.

The feasibility study outlines the theoretical potential, makes preliminary recommendations and suggests priority areas for development. An inter-ministerial working group will now be responsible for assessing technical feasibility, focusing on land use and the ability of the electricity grid to absorb additional power.

The move is in line with Luxembourg’s ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and boost its renewable energy potential. In recent years, the government has introduced several initiatives to promote solar energy, including incentives for private and public entities to install photovoltaic panels.

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