Sustainable innovation
EnergyPier
The environmental impact
The aim of this environmental assessment is to lay a solid foundation that will dispel any doubts regarding the fundamental justification for the proposed EnergyPier combined-cycle power stations:
Contributing to a prosperous yet sustainable economy that benefits everyone.
There are various tools available to assess the sustainability of a project, such as LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), impact assessments and carbon footprint analysis...
We can establish a solid basis for assessment by measuring the energy invested using the ratio of energy produced to embodied energy, the embodied energy saved, and by determining the project’s ancillary effects on the environment through an assessment of externalities.
Summary environmental assessment
Combined power plant (solar + wind + thermal) 1,000 m / 2 x 2 tracks / lifespan 150 years
Although this can only be confirmed once the first pilot sections have been completed, the environmental impact of the EnergyPier solution looks set to be one of the best possible within the wider family of renewable energies.
Grey energy saved – Reduced thermal and frost stresses on the motorway structure
Countries with a continental
climate: Service life x 2
Very hot
countries Lifespan x 4–10
Energy expended
Moderately favourable region: Europe, the Rhône Valley
Option 1

Ratio of energy produced to embodied energy = >13
Option 2

Ratio of energy produced to embodied energy = >19
Option 3

Ratio of energy produced to embodied energy = +E3 > 20
Highly favourable region: the Middle East
Option 1

Ratio of energy produced to embodied energy = >20
Option 2

Ratio of energy produced to embodied energy = >30
Option 3

Ratio of energy produced to embodied energy = +E3 > 35
Positive externalities
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Chemical emissions: noneExclusive use of renewable energy sources (solar, wind and geothermal) without the use of fossil fuels.
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Noise emissions: reduction of 5 to 8 dBAnemoGen solar panels, inverters and generators produce less noise than the wind. The EnergyPier infrastructure directs sound waves from the motorway down towards the ground.
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Visual impact: integrating the structure into the landscapeThe idea of transforming the motorway into a multifunctional facility, in addition to its primary function of facilitating travel, has no negative impact. It improves the motorway’s integration into the landscape
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Electricity grid management: facilitating the integration of renewable energyAt EnergyPier, solar, wind and thermal power complement one another to ensure the daily and seasonal balance of the grid
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Impact on wildlife: tending towards zeroThe motorway is already a developed area, so there is no additional impact on wildlife, apart from a reduced risk of collisions
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Other emissions (construction, dismantling, recycling): very lowThe embodied energy associated with these stages of the installation’s life cycle has already been taken into account.
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