A project that integrates sunny and wind on the “Costaviola” viaduct in the stretch between Bagnara and Scilla of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway.
Solar Wind Project
Is called “Solar Wind Project” and was developed, a few years ago, by a design team composed of Francesco Cholarossi, Giovanna Saracino and Luisa Saracino In response to a competition of ideas on how to reuse the old structures in an eco -sustainable way.
In addition to wind turbines, the installation includes solar panels along the road surface. The driveway mantle would be replaced with an asphalt covered with photovoltaic cells, while the internal lane would become a completely pedestrian path, enriched with equipped panoramic points and solar greenhouses.
The project obtained the second place in the international competition “South Solar Park”called by the Calabria region for the redevelopment of the motorway section between Scilla and Bagnara. Unfortunately, as known, it has never been made, but offers an interesting starting point for reflection on how ensure greater infrastructure stability, produce clean energy and preserve the landscape.
Renewables integrated into the panorama
A proposal that rethinks the role of existing infrastructures: the viaduct, in addition to its connection function, would also take on an important function of energy production.
The winds that constantly blow in the Calabrian valleys crossed by the viaducts would be used to produce clean energy: the empty spaces among the pylons that support the roadway would be filled with a visually harmonious element, equipped with wind turbines. It is an example of integration of wind and photovoltaic plants in the natural landscapeavoiding the consumption of further soil and also contributing to Static improvement of the viaduct.
Evaluation of costs and feasibility
The project also includes aCost analysis To evaluate the profitability of the wind farm in terms of annual production of electricity. The steel structure, with a total weight of about 8,300-8,500 tonswould require an investment of about 25 million euros. Wind turbines, considering a system from 15 MW and a cost of 1,000 €/kWwould involve an expense of about 15 million euros. The overall investment would therefore fall into the budget of approx 40 million eurosalready foreseen for the demolition of viaducts with environmental recovery purposes.
An ambitious proposal, which would offer one symbolic and functional revenge on a motorway section like that of the Salerno-Reggio Calabriasadly known for the delays in the works, which have entailed long times of realization and huge financial resources.
