France has taken a big step in its journey towards renewable energy. The plan is to make use of a large flat area for a 1000 km of solar panels. What's special about this? Well the 1000 km are on the road network. Following a five year research project between Colas and l'Institut National de l'Energie Solaire, a new solar road surface has been developed. This combines the fragile photovoltaic, with a durable polycrystalline silicon compound that creates a 7mm thick surface suitable for road traffic! Early estimates suggest this new Route Solaire could provide electricity for 5 million people, but a comparable project in the Netherlands (a 72 metre feasibility study) generated more electricity than initial estimates predicted. All great news for maximising energy prodcution from readily available resources!

Find out more at: http://www.wattwaybycolas.com/en/