Along the Taiyuan-Tianzhou Expressway in northern China’s Shanxi Province, photovoltaic (PV) panels cover the slopes and roofs of auxiliary buildings. The PV system went into operation last November and was recognized as a national PV model. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are increasingly being installed at service and toll stations.

Liu Xia, an electric vehicle customer, said that 10 years ago, EV charging stations on highways were rare. Now, electric vehicle charging stations are a standard on highways.

Residents like Liu Xia find it convenient to travel long distances by electric vehicle without worrying about a lack of charging stations. “Now there are no more long lines waiting for charging on holidays or weekends,” she said.

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China promotes green highway development.

Chen Jianwen, project manager, said the PV system makes efficient use of land and buildings, generating electricity from solar energy, ensuring stable power supply and reducing carbon emissions. The project is a concrete demonstration of the use of clean energy on highways.

China is now a global leader in renewable energy and has the world’s longest highway network. As of the end of June, there were 24.72 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) on the road, which represents great potential for highway development and green transformation.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transport recommended the development of carbon-free highways, as well as the construction of related PV infrastructure. Shanghai, Sichuan and Hunan have announced plans to promote the application of PV in highway areas, as well as energy storage technology to enhance the stability of the power system and the ability to regulate power supply.

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Solar power systems on highways.

In addition, the national program also develops facilities and services related to other forms of clean energy such as hydrogen fuel.

Since the beginning of this year, hydrogen-powered vehicles have been toll-free on highways in Shandong Province. Sichuan Province has drawn up a similar draft and plans to speed up the construction of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Methanol refueling stations have been set up on a new highway connecting parts of Jinzhong City in Shanxi. Methanol fuel has the advantages of efficient combustion and clean emissions, and its low freezing point means drivers do not need to worry about freezing.

Li Jianbing, who replaced his old diesel truck with a new one that uses methanol, said starting a diesel engine is difficult because Shanxi's winters are very cold. With more methanol refueling stations, travel will be more convenient.

According to Da Juxia, a senior engineer at Shanxi Transportation Holdings Group, the infrastructure upgrades along the expressway will benefit from a clean energy transportation system that includes electric, hydrogen and methanol vehicles. This contributes to China’s dual carbon commitment.

China is committed to tackling climate change and pursuing a low-carbon, green development path. It has pledged to peak CO2 emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060.

(According to GCTN)

What would happen if highways around the world were covered with solar panels? According to researchers, installing solar roofs on highways around the world could generate 17,578 TWh per year, equivalent to more than 60% of global electricity consumption.