The university announced the $2 million grant on Wednesday. The money will be shared by URI marine research scientist Al Hanson and scientists in other parts of New England. via Grant to aid RI researcher studying ocean health – Boston.com.

The heat radiating off roadways has long been a factor in explaining why city temperatures are often considerably warmer than nearby suburban or rural areas.

A team of engineering researchers from the University of Rhode Island is examining methods of harvesting that solar energy to melt ice, power streetlights, illuminate signs, heat buildings and potentially use it for many other purposes.