The potential of photovoltaics along the Dutch national high- and expressways (Rijkswegen) : an analysis of the potential of PV noise barriers = Het potentieel van zonnepanelen langs de Nederlanse Rijkswegen : een analyse van het potentieel van PV op gelu

Abstract As fossil fuels are becoming scarce and GHG emissions are increasing, renewable energy sources are increasingly the focus of the policy agenda. As a result, the EU has implemented goals to achieve a larger share of renewables with all their members by 2030. As a government agency, Rijkswaterstaat can play a role in offering available land necessary for the use of photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation. This study focuses on the potential of PV noise barriers (PVNB) along the Rijkswegen by 2030. The goal was to quantify this potential by calculating the solar irradiance at the location of current noise barriers, thereby identifying suitable locations. The annual electricity production for several different potentials was calculated to give an answer to the research question. By using detailed digital elevation maps (DEM) of the Netherlands and geographic information systems (GIS) datasets, it was possible to calculate the solar irradiance using GIS software and the Esri Solar Analyst tool. All noise barriers with a length more than 500 metres were studied. Added was the likelihood of noise barriers being replaced or upgraded. This can create an opportunity for the building of a PVNB. The PV potential and other relevant data for all these samples were added to graphical overview maps to easily identify suitable locations. For the study area and the scope of the study, the short-term potential is the most relevant. This potential describes the electricity production for all noise barriers that are likely to be replaced by 2030 and with a high PV potential. This study estimates that potential to be between 5,828 MWh and 6,938 MWh annually. Several cases were analysed in more detail. These cases represent three projects where a PVNB is planned (or was planned in one case). The results of this detailed analysis were used to see what the effects of varying angle and orientation were and how this compared to the used methodology.