The CIRCUIT project is increasingly entering its operational phase, marked by the start of installation activities within the Italian pilot.
In Italy, CIRCUIT aims to reduce energy consumption and operational costs related to road lighting and ventilation systems at key sites along the Rome motorways A90 and A91, as well as on the SS63 near Casina (Reggio Emilia).
To achieve these objectives, several innovative solutions are being studied and deployed, including:
- Full Adaptive Installation (FAI) lighting systems: These systems will reduce energy consumption by adjusting lighting levels based on ambient conditions, such as weather, traffic, and road surface luminance.
- Lighting poles equipped with photovoltaic and mini-wind generators: These poles will generate the necessary energy for their own operation, reducing reliance on energy providers and promoting sustainable energy sources.
- Real-time fan control system: A system will be implemented to monitor and regulate the ventilation plant in real-time. This system will be integrated with a comprehensive asset management system, allowing for the identification of inefficiencies, peaks in energy consumption, and facilitating proper maintenance of tunnel ventilation systems.
Innovative Sensors for Traffic, Weather, and Luminance Monitoring
Recent on-site activities enabled the installation of innovative sensors for the adaptive control of lighting systems in the Casaleo and Nualetto tunnels (SS63, Casina – Reggio Emilia).
These sensors provide real-time data on traffic conditions, meteorological parameters, and luminance levels within the tunnels. The collected data are used to dynamically regulate lamp power according to the complexity of the visual task, ensuring safe driving conditions while reducing energy consumption whenever traffic and external environmental conditions are not critical.
The meteorological data collected by the sensors are displayed in real time on the Meteo Project platform, which is publicly accessible at the following link: https://stazioni.meteoproject.it/dati/casinass63/
Installation activities for the CIRCUIT Italian pilot will continue in January 2026 at the Rome site, along the A91 motorway.
Concrete solutions for energy saving in the road construction sector
Reducing energy consumption is a key factor in making the road infrastructure sector more circular and sustainable. The solutions deployed within the Italian pilot represent a concrete contribution toward this goal.
Through the validation of multiple innovative technologies, the CIRCUIT project supports more efficient energy management in transport infrastructure operations. It also provides essential feasibility analyses for the integration of renewable energy sources and the deployment of technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption associated with lighting and tunnel ventilation systems.
Further updates on CIRCUIT activities and results in reducing energy consumption in the road construction sector will be shared on the CIRCUIT website and LinkedIn page.