ASFINAG, which is responsible for the planning, construction and operation of Austria’s major roads and motorways, has set itself a solid climate target: it is hoping to achieve electrical independence for its energy balance sheet by 2030.
This is to be achieved partly by reducing its overall energy requirements by 20% and partly by expanding its own energy plants. The company is already highly active in photovoltaics in particular, and equips its noise barriers with PV arrays. There are already two small hydropower plants in operation that are helping to cover its own energy requirements.
The latest energy project is unique throughout Europe and came online a couple of days ago: eight mini wind turbines have been attached 140m above ground to the pillar supports of a motorway bridge and will now provide the local toll station with energy.
The turbines themselves are not from Austria (they are the work of the Berlin start-up MOWEA), but Austria’s Dynacast was responsible for supplying the high-pressure die-cast parts and assembling the mini modules. The company is a global leader in the manufacture of small precision metal components, with production facilities all over the world.
The Europa Bridge was selected for the project as it has a history of innovation itself; when it was built, and for many years thereafter, it was the highest bridge in Europe. Wind measurement data suggests that the plant can produce 5,000 kWh of electricity per year – about the amount used annually by a larger family home. The results of this pilot project will determine whether mini wind plants can be installed on other bridges in Austria.
There are numerous advantages to moving a wind farm to the lofty heights of a motorway bridge: as no construction is required, ground sealing is not an issue, the energy cabling comes pre-installed, and there is not likely to be much inconvenience to local residents. Another common argument against wind farms is the potential endangerment of birds, and for this reason, an environmental agency will be monitoring the project for two years to keep an eye on our feathered friends.
