The world is rapidly switching to solar energy, adopting renewable energy to deal with the constantly rising energy issues. This rapid switch led to many technological advancements in the solar industry, and the major one is the latest news that now a space solar plant is being designed.
Reportedly, this project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will be generating 30 MW of solar energy that will be sent to Earth. This project could change the way we use solar energy. Let’s learn in detail how this space solar project works and what it could mean for the future of clean energy.
What is the Space Solar Project?
This project was announced on Monday, October 21, 2024. It is a partnership between UK-based Space Solar and Iceland-based Reykjavik Energy and the Icelandic sustainability initiative Transition Labs. They are working on a plan to design a space-based solar plant that will supply 30 MW of solar energy to Earth in 2030.
The expected timeframe for the completion of this project is five years, which means by 2030 we can expect that solar energy will be transmitted from orbit. The co-CEO and executive director of Space Solar shared that they have already started identifying the potential sites in Iceland where electricity will be beamed from space.
How will the space solar system work?
According to the information available, the proposed plan includes a satellite that will be sent into orbit; this satellite will be equipped with solar reflectors and thousands of lightweight PV modules. The reflector will direct sunlight up the solar cells; electricity will be generated and converted from direct current into a radio frequency (RF). Normally, in our solar system, the electricity is converted from direct current into alternating current, but since it is a space-based solar plant, the direct current will be converted into radio frequency for transmission. When this radio signal reaches receivers on Earth, waves will be converted back into direct current, and this electricity will be directed into the grid.
Talking about the conversion of electricity and the efficiency of this system, the co-CEO, Adlen said, “The main conversion efficiency is RF to DC and DC to RF, which is about 85% efficient.” The solar energy powered through this system will be enough to power more than 3000 homes.
The power-bearing satellite will weigh 70.5 tons, be 1.312 feet wide, and it will be circling the planet in medium Earth orbit. While this is going to be the first solar project, the team is also planning to launch six such space-based solar power stations. So, on Earth, everyone can get renewable energy 24/7 despite any weather condition.
If we talk about the cost of this project, the development and manufacturing of this pilot plant is expected to cost around $800 million. Moreover, it was reported that the rate at which renewable energy will be provided will be less as compared to the Earth-based renewable sources.
Benefits of this project and the future prospects
Space Solar plans to have a 30 MW array operating in space. If this project goes successful in Iceland, they will also be opting for greater capacity projects like this to ensure that renewable energy becomes the major source of electricity and there is far less reliance on fossil fuels. According to Adlen, they have planned to launch a 180 MW system after 9 years, a GW system after 12 years, and a 15 GW system by the mid-2040s. Gradually, they are planning to target the global electricity market.
Talking further about this project, Adlen mentioned that, “You can get 24/7 baseload power all seasons, all weather; that’s the key benefit.” He also added that one of the major advantages of a space solar system will be that its beam can be switched to any point in the field of view. He also added that the satellite will be able to use a range of different PV modules. The factor that will matter more here is mass. So, the lighter the panel, the less cost will be required to get it into space, and the longer will be its lifespan.
For now this project has been started by the UK and Iceland, but it is expected that in the future other countries will also opt for this option, including Japan and China. With this innovative solar project, the future looks bright for the renewable industry.
Final Words!
If the space solar project goes successful, it will be a major breakthrough in the renewable energy sector. It will open doors to many new sorts of opportunities to utilize solar energy and, at the same time, make it easier for people globally to access 24/7 electricity without worrying about fluctuating prices or changing efficiency in solar energy because of external factors like weather. However, it will only be possible if this space solar project goes successful. Let’s wait and watch whether we will be able to witness a space-based solar system or not.