Solar Wind Bridge Envisioned for Italy

Solar wind bridge - amazing design and technology

At the intersection of design, architecture and renewable energy is a new solar wind bridge envisioned for Italy. The futuristic road span is the dream of three Italian designers, Francesco Colarossi, Giovanna Saracino and Luisa Saracino. Intended to capture energy from the wind gusts that often blow through mountainous regions, as well from as solar power striking the road’s surface, the solar wind bridge could generate enough electricity to power about 15,000 homes.

The design recently took second place at Solar Park Works – Solar Highway competition. The contest called for design entries for a modernized section of highway between Bagnera and Scilla in Italy.

These photographs are so amazing:

Solar wind bridge in Italy (aerial view)

Solar panels on the asphalt surface could generate 11.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year. The 26 wind turbines engineered into the span of the bridge (using an abandoned viaduct) will be able to produce 36 million kWh annually. As noted above, this power from this single bridge span could run 15,000 homes.

The green elements of this bridge also include dedicated areas for solar greenhouses in which produce can be grown and sold right there on the span! In fact, the re-purposed viaduct would basically be transformed into a public park/viewpoint. And a significant tourism draw, as well!

We cannot wait for this inventive solar architectural design to move from the drawing board to the scenic highway stretches in Italy.

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