Germany’s Federal Highways Offer Potential for 54 GW of Solar Power

A study by Germany's Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) highlights the potential for enhancing renewable energy production by utilizing roadside spaces for solar energy systems. Commissioned by the transport ministry, the report identifies approximately 250,000 sites along German highways that could collectively generate up to 48 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy. Additional possibilities include up to 4.2 GW on sound barriers and 1.2 GW in car parks adjacent to federal roads.

"Electromobility makes a particularly important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions if the energy required is generated from renewable sources," said BASt head Markus Oeser. "One approach to providing the required energy close to the consumer and thus reducing the load on the grid is to utilise roadside spaces."

The federal highway management company, Autobahn GmbH, is tasked with developing a comprehensive inventory of public lands suitable for such installations. It will assess whether to construct and operate these systems internally or collaborate with third parties such as local authorities, investors, or residents.

This initiative aligns with Germany's broader renewable energy goals. The nation aims to achieve 215 GW of solar capacity by 2030, up from its cumulative capacity of approximately 96 GW in late 2024. Urban rooftops, increasingly equipped with solar panels, also contribute significantly to this energy transition by utilizing previously underutilized spaces.