Umm Al-Qura University Unveils Power-Generating Road Barrier

Researchers at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah have developed a concrete road barrier capable of generating electricity from air currents created by passing vehicles.

The system channels airflow produced by traffic through an integrated mechanism within the barrier, converting the kinetic energy of moving air into electrical power.

The project was led by Raed Shalwala from the College of Engineering and Architecture, in collaboration with Fadi Almarghlani, Director of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Designed as a multi-functional infrastructure component, the barrier combines traffic safety with energy generation, offering a potential addition to smart city systems and modern road networks.

By embedding the energy capture mechanism directly within standard roadside barriers, the approach aims to improve energy efficiency without requiring additional land or infrastructure.