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Researchers at Novotech, Inc. of Acton, Massachusetts and two Massachusetts universities are developing a method to channel heat from asphalt and other paving materials into usable power. In addition to the power directly generated by the asphalt, this process would also lower the rate of buckling in the pavement and reduce the "urban heat island" effect generated when the heat from the pavement warms the nearby air. This should lower air conditioning use in urban areas, reducing the power needs for the area.

Asphalt is potentially an excellent source of energy because, unlike traditional solar panels, the pavement remains hot (and thus continues to generate energy) well after the sun sets. However, capturing the heat from the asphalt is not straightforward. Asphalt is an insulator so it tends to retain its heat. Novotech founder Michael Hulen and Worcester Institute of Technology professor Rajib Mallick have been experimenting with placing copper pipes wrapped in graphite or other strong conductors about an inch below the surface of the pavement. They have also looked into using series of heat sinks similar to those used in some residential floorboard heating systems.

Source: http://thefutureofthings.com/news/8238/generating-power-from-pavement.html