California mulls technology to convert gridlocks to energy source

The state hopes to convert the mechanical energy from its roads to another source of renewable energy

Environmental

By Allie Sanchez

The California Energy Commission is investing $2 million to study whether the gridlocks along its highways could be a new source of energy.

According to reports, the state is specifically looking into piezoelectric crystals, which can be embedded into the asphalt to produce energy when compressed as vehicles pass over them.

The commission is looking at a partner company or university to study the viability and cost effectiveness of the technology.

“It's not hard to see the opportunity in California,” Mike Gravely, the commission's deputy division chief of energy research and development, noted. “It's an energy that's created but is just currently lost in vibration.”

Gravely added that the undertaking is expected to help the state meet its target of meeting 50% of its energy requirements with renewable sources by 2030. He added that California is on track to meet its 25% target by the end of the year.
 

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