Humans have considered the options and potential of space-based solar energy for many years. This could become a reality in just a few years in Iceland.
One of the common complaints about solar energy is the need to rely on solar panels. We cannot even have sunlight 24/7 throughout the year, even in the sunniest regions. Therefore, for many decades, humanity has been contemplating the use of continuous sunlight from space.
This facility is essentially a satellite capable of producing about 30 megawatts of electricity. (Photo: businessner/Dalle-E OpenAI).
According to IFLScience on November 3rd, Space Solar (UK) is partnering with Reykjavik Energy and the sustainability initiative Transition Labs (both based in Iceland) to develop a space-based solar power plant.
The plant, essentially a satellite, could produce around 30 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 1,500 to 3,000 households by 2030. This system will collect sunlight in space using solar panels and then transmit it as radio waves at a specific frequency to a ground station, where it will be converted into electricity for the power grid.
The CASSIOPeiA satellite is expected to be quite large and expandable. It could become the heaviest single object in space that is not a space station. When all parts of the satellite are extended to capture sunlight, it will be significantly larger than the International Space Station (ISS).
Additionally, Space Solar aims to have an upgraded version of this system in space by 2036, with the capability to provide gigawatts of electricity.
“Collaborating with Reykjavik Energy marks an important milestone in Space Solar’s journey towards comprehensive deployment. Their progressive approach towards climate technology, combined with expertise in carbon storage through Carbfix and a long-standing partnership with Climeworks, makes Reykjavik Energy the perfect partner for the early stages of Space Solar,” said Kjartan Orn Olafsson, CEO of Transition Labs.
Space-based solar energy offers unparalleled benefits with competitive energy costs and the ability to provide power 24/7. However, this plan is quite ambitious as the transmission of energy from orbit has yet to reach the power levels outlined in the project.
While proven feasible, current technology can only transmit a few milliwatts of electricity from space to the ground. Meanwhile, the Iceland project will need to transmit energy billions of times more efficiently.
Therefore, Space Solar will need to face and overcome these challenges to operate a space solar power plant smoothly in the future.
