We are an energy-guzzling civilization. Besides, due to rapid advancements in technology and large-scale adoption of technology means our energy needs are rising exponentially. Although oil, gas, coal, uranium, all have been extensively employed to meet energy demands, we are still falling short of the goal.
Moreover, carbon-based energy sources are putting a heavy toll on our planet’s environment and ecology. There is an immediate need to adopt methods that could meet our energy demand without proving detrimental to our environment.
Renewable resources like Air, sun, wind, and water could be the solution that can be used to generate sustainable energy for homes and industries everywhere. Wind turbines offer a clean and safe way to generate energy. But they have limitations too. They can only be installed in open places that offer heavy speeding winds.
Streets To Install Wind Turbines?
How about an idea where we utilize one of the most open spaces in our community; the street we drive on every day? The road is open (and sometimes barely used), it’s relatively flat land (relatively low elevation compared to overhangs or overpasses), and has no buildings or original vegetation obstructing it. This space is perfect for a wind turbine!
Scaling up this idea would make sense as well; what about installing wind turbines across the lane of the street? How will these turbines move? Well, the wind generated by moving vehicles will drive the turbine. That’s an unlimited supply of gusting winds. Unlike other towering models, these small wind turbines could barely be noticeable. They will just be part of the streets.
Furthermore, these small wind turbines can also be attached to the street light and collectively these turbines could produce 6 megawatts of energy per day. It could power an entire village or a small city. With enough of these small wind turbines, we could easily power our homes and meet the energy needs of a local area.
This system actually wouldn’t be too difficult to implement either. Some developers are trying to implement this idea in the UK and aim to install such wind turbine systems across M2 and M20 roads. If they are successful, that will be a huge step towards solving our energy crisis.
It’s a matter of taking the initiative
So what’s stopping others from utilizing street turbines? Probably cost and fear. It’s always a little scary to change the way we do things, but with the right incentives, it’s possible that this could be a huge step forward for renewable energy. Imagine if our cities ware completely powered by renewables? Street turbines definitely have the potential to make that happen. The possibilities are endless, and the technology is there. It’s just a matter of taking the initiative.
