Lucerne wants to use transport infrastructure as solar power plants
The canton of Lucerne plans to increase the contribution of photovoltaics as an energy source. To this end, areas of road infrastructure are to be utilised as solar power plants. The photovoltaic potential is now being tested on the noise protection gallery in Knutwil and at the Rontal bridge near Dierikon.
The canton of Lucerne wants to use more solar energy to generate renewable electricity and heat and utilise additional areas of the canton’s own road infrastructure as solar power plants. The canton plans to equip bridges, tunnels, galleries, noise barriers, carriageways, embankments and retaining walls with photovoltaics.
According to a press release, ten times more energy could be generated by utilising the sun at the most suitable locations than is currently the case. The photovoltaic potential on these areas could therefore be increased, according to the technical report “Potential for renewable energy production in the canton of Lucerne”, which was published in 2024.
Two pilot projects should provide concrete figures on the electricity generation potential. Photovoltaic systems are to be installed on the noise protection gallery in Knutwil and at the Rontal bridge near Buchrain and Dierikon. According to the press release, 1 gigawatt hour of renewable electricity could be generated on these sites.
The plant on the Rontal Bridge is due to go into operation in 2025 and is being realised by the canton, which plans to generate its own electricity there. The Knutwil noise protection gallery has the largest area of the properties analysed. It is the size of half a football pitch and the plant there is scheduled to supply solar power from 2026. Various renovation measures are due to be carried out on the noise protection gallery before the plant is built.