Asfinag offensive

Using tunnel roofs to generate electricity

Asfinag technicians at the photovoltaic system, which went into operation on the Pians-Quadratsch tunnel in November last year.(Bild: Asfinag)

Freeway operator Asfinag's offensive: in Tyrol, too, once "useless" areas are being used to generate energy. By 2030, the company wants to reduce demand by 20 percent and generate the remaining amount itself.

Why should only gravel or earth be piled up on the roof of a tunnel or a highway enclosure - when it is suitable for generating solar energy? Asfinag has been pursuing this approach for some time: "Photovoltaics provide our facilities with the green electricity they need, ensuring independence and therefore safety," emphasizes CEO Hartwig Hufnagl.

Electricity for the equivalent of 700 houses throughout Austria
Asfinag has already implemented numerous photovoltaic projects throughout Austria. 33 renewable systems have been installed on tunnel portals, roofs and open spaces, as well as two small hydroelectric power plants. The 3900 kilowatt peak of energy generated could supply more than 700 single-family homes.

Photovoltaics provide our systems with green electricity, ensure independence and therefore also the highest possible level of safety.

Asfinag-Vorstand Hartwig Hufnagl

Mils tunnel near Imst as a centerpiece in Tyrol
Numerous projects were also implemented in Tyrol in 2023: Those at the portals of the Mils tunnel generate a total of 51,000 kWh, which is equivalent to the energy requirements of around ten single-family homes. The systems at Pians-Quadratsch produce the annual energy requirements of around four single-family homes. Other locations on the A12 in the Oberland are at the Simmering Galerie and the Galerie Steinbruchmure, each for two single-family homes. The system at Galerie Imst could cover the energy requirements of 13 single-family homes.

Huge plant on the Schönberg Gallery this year
The largest project in Tyrol this year is the one at the Schönberg Galerie on the A13. The output is 1 megawatt peak with more than 2,400 modules. The predicted annual yield corresponds to the needs of 200 households. It will supply the gallery's technical facilities.