Researchers from King’s College London have conducted a study suggesting that solar panels in space could potentially fulfill up to 80% of Europe’s renewable energy requirements by 2050. By employing a computer model of the continent’s power grid and using Nasa’s designs for space-based solar power (SBSP) systems, the study indicates that such technology could reduce the overall costs of the European power setup by 15% and significantly lower reliance on battery storage. The findings highlight the promising future of renewable energy and the ongoing challenges associated with weather-dependency and irregularity of land-based energy sources.
The study reveals that space-based solar power (SBSP) panels could substantially decrease Europe’s terrestrial renewable energy needs by 80% by 2050, according to a detailed computer model developed to evaluate future power grid scenarios across the continent. The researchers found that implementing a SBSP system could cut overall energy system costs by as much as 15% and reduce battery reliance by over two-thirds. This pioneering research is the first of its kind to explore the impact of SBSP technology in Europe.
The SBSP panels examined in the study utilize a heliostat design, resembling mirror-like reflectors that collect sunlight in orbit. The captured sunlight would be transmitted to Earth, converted into electricity, and then integrated into the energy grid. The model encompasses 33 countries, simulating electricity demand, generation, and storage to discern the most cost-effective solutions to satisfy Europe’s energy needs. The integration of the SBSP approach into the modeling process indicated that it could potentially replace a significant portion of land-based renewable energy.
Land-based renewable energy sources are often inconsistent due to their dependence on weather conditions, which complicates reliable energy supply and incurs varying costs, the researchers noted. SBSP technology, in contrast, would offer a centralized energy source operating beyond the atmosphere with the capability to deliver continuous gigawatt-scale power. However, the model did not take into account challenges specific to space, such as orbital congestion, transmission interruptions, or variability in energy beaming, which might affect the reliability and operational performance of SBSP.
Additionally, the study acknowledges that the cost-effectiveness of SBSP may only become a reality by 2050, primarily due to the current high costs associated with building, launching, and maintaining such systems until technological advances allow for more economical solutions. Dr. Wei He, a senior lecturer at KCL’s engineering department and the study’s lead author, raised concerns about potential hazards, including the risk of satellite collisions or damages from space debris. Despite these risks, Dr. Wei emphasizes that SBSP holds the potential to aid countries in achieving net-zero emissions targets.
Highlighting ongoing advancements, Dr. Wei points to Japan’s initiatives in developing SBSP as part of its national strategy for space exploration and net-zero objectives. The study suggests that Europe could adopt similar strategies, leveraging its history of multinational collaboration in electricity exchange and satellite projects through the European Space Agency. By capitalizing on its cooperative efforts, Europe has the opportunity to create a centralized SBSP infrastructure that offers stable, baseload-scale renewable energy, diminishing the continent’s dependency on gas-fired power. “Now is the time,” Dr. Wei asserts, calling for action to harness this promising technology.