First energy neutral bridge – New Ramspol Bridge an innovation icon
Government of the Netherlands: By sounding a foghorn on the 13-metre high Ramspol Bridge Minister Schultz van Haegen (Infrastructure & the Environment) today officially opened this innovative, new structure. “The Netherlands is showing its best side here. The new Ramspol Bridge is an innovation icon,” according to the Minister. The Ramspol Bridge links the provinces of Flevoland and Overijssel and, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first energy neutral bridge in the world. The motor that operates the moveable section of the bridge recovers energy when the bridge deck is opened and closed. This green energy is stored in batteries. With the 320 solar panels that have been installed on both its sides, the bridge produces at least as much electricity as it needs. The surplus green electricity is delivered to the grid. (Source: http://www.government.nl/news/2012/11/30/first-energy-neutral-bridge.html)