Dutch company Ooms Avenhorn Holding bv developed the technique, which is based on a network of plastic pipes embedded in the asphalt made from Dowlex polyethylene resins. The application is designed to cool down roads in the summer time, in order to prevent asphalt damage, and de-ice the roads in winter, preventing accidents and the deterioration of roads.
Heavy traffic can deform road surfaces when asphalt becomes warm in hot, summer weather. Cool groundwater pumped through the pipe network acts a cooling agent. The water becomes hot in the process and the heated water is then stored underground for use in winter. Overall, the system is primarily designed to collect durable energy, and the system results in reduced reliance on traditional non-recyclable and less eco-friendly materials such as sand, salt, or chemicals to de-ice roads. CO2 emissions are reduced, and energy is also saved. In combination with a type of bitumen, specially developed by Ooms for this purpose, the system can be used on roads, on warming/cooling platforms, and on airport runways, and several governmental bodies and companies in the Netherlands have shown their interest in it. The all-plastic multi-layer pipes which make up the new system were manufactured by the German firm HPG.