Space-based solar power ‘could be feasible’
Never mind the scope for land and rooftop-based solar energy, space-based solar power is technically feasible, economically viable and could be developed by 2040, according to a new report: Space based solar power: de-risking the pathway to net zero, published by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Even based in space, solar power could be a clean source of sustainable baseload power at scale, 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year, says the report. And, unlike wind and terrestrial solar, power can be delivered regardless of the weather. It doesn’t care if it is sunny or overcast. Indeed, space-based solar could be an alternative to baseload nuclear and gas power stations fitted with carbon capture technology.
The report recommends that a staged technology development and demonstration programme is undertaken, and exploratory discussions held with international partners.
Even based in space, solar power could be a clean source of sustainable baseload power at scale, 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year, says the report. And, unlike wind and terrestrial solar, power can be delivered regardless of the weather. It doesn’t care if it is sunny or overcast. Indeed, space-based solar could be an alternative to baseload nuclear and gas power stations fitted with carbon capture technology.
The report recommends that a staged technology development and demonstration programme is undertaken, and exploratory discussions held with international partners.
The study, undertaken by systems and technology company FrazerNash Consultancy, looked at the technical feasibility, cost and economics of solar power in space as a new generation technology which could provide safe, sustainable power for the UK.
The report found that with the falling cost of space launch, new solar power satellite designs and advancing technology in photovoltaics, power beaming and robotics, space-based solar power is now both technically feasible and affordable.
