China is making strides toward developing a space-based solar power plant, a project that could revolutionize energy production. Positioned 36,000 km above Earth, this 1-kilometer-wide facility aims to generate 100 billion kilowatt-hours annually, rivaling global oil reserves in energy output.
Unlike terrestrial solar farms, this system would capture continuous sunlight, unaffected by weather or day-night cycles, and transmit energy to Earth via microwaves. However, technical challenges remain, particularly in efficient energy transmission.
China plans to use its Long March-9 rocket for transporting components into orbit, while other nations, including the U.S., Japan, and Europe, are also exploring similar technologies. If successful, this initiative could reshape global energy dynamics and accelerate decarbonization efforts.