Renewable energy is on the rise, but there are challenges in shifting away from fossil fuels. The reliability of solar energy is often questioned due to its dependence on daylight and seasonal variations. However, a UK-based technology company called Space Solar has an innovative solution that eliminates these limitations.
Space Solar plans to establish a revolutionary solar farm in Earth’s orbit, and they believe it could be operational 2035. Ground-based solar farms are limited in harnessing the full potential of solar energy due to the Earth’s atmosphere protecting us from harmful solar radiation. This is where space-based solar farms become appealing.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), solar rays in space are ten times more powerful than those on Earth and are accessible 24/7 without being affected time or location. Additionally, this energy can be transmitted wirelessly to Earth or even the Moon using microwaves.
Space Solar envisions their expansive solar farms floating in space, generating 13 times more renewable energy than traditional solar or wind farms while occupying a fraction of the space. The emergence of reusable spacecraft, like those developed SpaceX, has made this venture economically feasible. The company aims to supply 20% of Earth’s energy needs using a fleet of 600 satellites.
Europe has been actively exploring the concept of space-based solar farms to support its transition to a Net Zero economy. The ESA has introduced the SOLARIS initiative, which is conducting concept studies to develop large-scale commercial farms. By the end of this year, these studies will contribute to a roadmap for making space-based solar power a reality in the green transition.