There are millions upon millions of bridges in the world...
So, with all those bridges and all that space beneath them, we could fit millions of wind turbines under them!
Well, viaducts is the technical term for arch supported bridges, which are the best bridges with the ability for this idea.
The Juncal Viaduct in the Canary Islands is serving as a model for the project by researchers from Kingston University in London. They used computer simulations designed to establish whether the wind blowing between the pillars would sufficiently move the turbines to create energy. Calculations conclude that installing turbines between the tall legs of the viaduct would produce enough power for 450 to 500 homes.
"This kind of installation would avoid the emission of 140 tons of CO2 per year, an amount that represents the depuration effect of about 7,200 trees,"- Oscar Soto, a researcher on the project, told the Spanish-language SINC.
This innovation shows it's possible to incorporate renewable energy into our world, without harming the natural environment in any way. This is also a great way to put wind turbines in populated areas where there isn't enough space for a wind farm.
Should we show good old Tony Abbott these babies?
What do you think of the idea? Let us know in the comments.
[Header image credit: José Antonio Peñas/Sinc]
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