# Sun-Soaking Freeways The World's First Solar-Powered Highway in Italy By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-11-16 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-highway-in-italy References: [matternetwork](http://www.matternetwork.com/2010/11/italy-goes-solar-first-sun.cfm) & [gajitz](http://gajitz.com/follow-the-sun-are-smart-solar-road-panels-our-future) There has been plenty of research on creating roads made of [solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2), but the 'A18 Catania-Siracusa' solar-powered highway in Italy will be the world's first to come to reality. Equipped with 80,000 photovoltaic panels to replace the usual asphalt surface, the 'A18' will power road signs, tunnel fans, lights and emergency telephones. This solar-powered highway in Italy will be built by Pizzarotti & Co. at a cost of €60 million. Worth its hefty price tag, the motorway will save 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Photo Credits: [Gajitz](http://gajitz.com/follow-the-sun-are-smart-solar-road-panels-our-future/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Solar-powered Roadways:** With the world's first solar-powered highway in Italy, there is a significant opportunity to innovate in the field of solar-powered roadways. - **Smart Transportation:** Integrating solar-powered features into motorways presents a clear trend towards smart transportation, and business professionals have the chance to explore innovative technologies that can be incorporated into future infrastructure projects. - **Sustainable Infrastructure:** The 'A18 Catania-Siracusa' solar-powered highway in Italy is a clear example of the growing trend towards more sustainable infrastructure, and the construction industry can explore opportunities for incorporating sustainable materials and renewable energy sources into future projects. ### Where This Applies - **Construction:** There is a significant opportunity for construction companies to innovate in the field of sustainable infrastructure, by exploring new materials and renewable energy sources to reduce the carbon footprint of future infrastructure projects. - **Renewable Energy:** The construction of solar-powered highways presents an opportunity for renewable energy companies to explore new applications for photovoltaic technology and participate in innovative infrastructure projects. - **Transportation:** The trend towards smart transportation will influence the development of future transportation networks, and businesses in the transportation industry have the chance to explore innovative technologies to incorporate into their operations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Futuristic Solar-Powered Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightyear-0.md) - [Swedish Electric Road Highways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trafikverket.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Solar-Powered City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-cars.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Solar-Powered Electric Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-clipse-2.md) - [Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-sun.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md)