Jan 01 2008
Focus News Story Today - Energy Uses for Asphalt
In today’s renewable energy news postings just below there is a story telling of a novel idea - using asphalt as a renewable energy source.
The Road Energy System as described in the article;
“A latticework of flexible pipes, held in place by a grid, is covered over by asphalt, which magnifies the sun’s thermal power. As water in the pipes is heated, it is pumped deep under the ground to natural aquifers where it maintains a fairly constant temperature of about 68 F. The heated water can be retrieved months later to keep the road surface ice-free in winter.”
In addition such a system could also be used to heat buildings in the winter.
Considering the large area of road surface available that is constantly being replaced due to age the time would be right to take advantage of investing in such a system if it can be demonstrated to have a good return as an new energy source.