Space-Based Solar Power Set to Be Transmitted to Iceland by 2030

UK startup Space Solar has signed a deal with Reykjavik Energy that could make Iceland the first country to receive solar power beamed from space, with a 30-MW demonstration set for launch by 2030.

While solar power is a clean energy source, it faces limitations like cloud cover and nighttime, which reduce its availability. Since the 1970s, one solution proposed has been to place solar collectors in geosynchronous orbit, about 22,236 miles above Earth, where they would receive continuous sunlight without atmospheric interference.

Harnessing Space-Based Solar Power

In this system, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which then converts into microwaves. These microwaves would be beamed to ground-based receivers, converting the power back to electricity for the grid. Theoretically, just three of these stations could meet Earth’s entire energy demand.

However, this idea comes with engineering challenges. Orbiting collectors would need to be massive, with ground antennas covering vast areas. Even with minimal construction and launch costs, expenses remain high. The technology would also need to operate almost autonomously for decades, adding to its complexity. NASA estimates space-based solar could be 12 to 80 times more costly than Earth-based renewables.

Despite these challenges, Space Solar, along with Icelandic private climate group Transition Labs, is moving forward. The company aims to scale its 30-MW project to gigawatt capacity by 2036 and is exploring additional receiver sites in Iceland, Canada, and northern Japan.

“Space-based solar power offers unique benefits, including competitive costs and 24/7 availability,” said Martin Soltau, co-CEO of Space Solar. “We’re excited to work with Reykjavik Energy on this project for a sustainable future.”

Read Original Article: New Atlas

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