New solar-powered highway opens in China

A new solar - powered high way is opening in the Shandong Province in East China.

The road is constructed using solar panels which have a thin sheet of clear concrete on top of them, protecting the surface.

The innovative panels were built to transfer energy to electric vehicles passing on top of them - and to instantly melt snow.

Xu Chunfu, chairman of board, Qilu Transportation Development Group said;

"This is a massive integration involving different sectors. I think it's a forward-looking development and a groundbreaking revolution."

The new stretch is short - only around two kilometres and will not be able to support trucks which are too heavy.