An analysis of energy neutral roads : A case study how to produce electricity and hydrogen using thesurface area of the A6 highway in the Netherlands

Abstract: The need for renewable energy sources is evident. The worlds energy economy need to change rapidly to stopthe climatological changes. The ratio between renewables and fossil fuels, or an energy economy only based onrenewables, is based on political choices. The surface footprint of renewables is significantly larger thantraditional power plants. For a successful implementation social obstacles and sustainable impact need to beevaluated along with sufficient energy in the renewable source and the possibility to deliver the energy tocustomers. Grid stability, self-sufficiency and energy independence are major struggles for small countries withhigh population density, limited renewable sources and limited areas for harvesting the energy in thesesources. The future Dutch energy economy depends on wind and solar energy, along with hydrogen productionfor energy storage and grid stability.The focus of this study is the challenge to implement solar field without compromising other sustainabilitygoals or provoking social obstacles. The potential of integrating solar energy with road areas is explained. Theseareas could become large energy plants and the potential is the motive for this study. It is explained why roadsneed to be implemented in the energy economy as production zones and the reasoning is substantiated withdesk study and calculations.The desk study contains explanation of methods for harvesting energy with roads or roadside areas, followedby the explanation of possible electrolyzing techniques to store the solar energy. Solar calculations are madeand it is explained how the input data for these calculations are obtained, in particular how to calculate diffuseirradiation when this data is not available. The total efficiency of the hydrogen production and storage processis evaluated and insight is given of current energy demand for electrical driven vehicles (EV) and fuel cell drivenvehicles (FCEV).The paper is written with a strategic sustainable development perspective. The future objectives are analysed,current situation and the gap is determined, possible steps are considered and a strategic solution is delivered.The results of this study prove the possibility to create energy neutral roads with solar systems build over theroad and hydrogen generation with PEM electrolysers to store energy. The produced energy, harvested withthe road areas can supply enough energy to meet the energy demand of 50 000 vehicles that use the A6 everyday between Swifterband and Almere (Oostvaarders).