Space-based energy: power stations of the future
UK, Newcastle upon Tyne: UK-based Northern Powergrid talks about the concept of space-based energy and what it means for the future.
Image source: Northern Powergrid
UK, Newcastle upon Tyne: UK-based Northern Powergrid talks about the concept of space-based energy and what it means for the future.
The article issued by Northern Powergrid, an electrical company based in the UK, lists benefits and future possibilities for its implementation.
The space-based energy is a way of sustainably sourcing energy thanks to technological advancements such as ultra-light solar cells.
Space-based energy is a way of sustainably sourcing energy thanks to technological advancements such as ultra-light solar cells.
Using solar panels, solar energy can be collected with reflectors and mirrors installed in space. This then allows solar radiation to be directed onto panels, causing it to transmit onto Earth, resulting in space-based energy that is then converted into electricity. Thus, energy can be generated in a clean, renewable way, regardless of the time of year or the weather for a more sustainable future. With the ability of this process to source a huge amount of energy, it could potentially trump other energy sources in tackling the climate crisis.
One of the major benefits of solar power is that it doesn’t rely on any other energy sources – like fossil fuels – to work. Additionally, solar power is also environmentally friendly, since it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions. There are still many challenges to be overcome when it comes to developing solar power, but the future looks promising for this sustainable energy source.
In the UK, the government is in talks to build a space-based solar power station to achieve net zero by 2050, while China has already tested technology to align with its target of having a solar power plant in space by 2028.
In the US, Northrop Grumman has partnered with the US Air Force Research Laboratory and Caltech to develop ‘The Space Solar Power Initiative’. Japan is also making progress with space-based energy, with Japan Space Systems aiming to develop a space solar power system by 2025. This progress and investments are already in place, and it may not be too long until this helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.
Source: Northern Powergrid
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