Roads might one day become energy sources, says Dutch company WinnerWay. The
firm has found that asphalt is an excellent solar collector. WinnerWay has
devised a method of harnessing the energy using water-filled heat exchangers,
but it is also looking into storing the heat in natural layers of sand many
metres under the road. The concept could be harnessed to power the underfloor
heating systems of nearby houses, but further tests are needed to establish the
efficiency of the conversion process.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
2
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
3
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
4
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
5
Remarkable fossils rewrite the story of how animals conquered the land
6
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
7
Why El Niño’s impacts on the UK are hard to predict
8
Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World is still supremely relevant today
9
Cervical cancer deaths have plummeted thanks to HPV vaccine
10
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity



