Writer: H M Remi

Imagination is always the source of innovation. In 1941, Issac Asimov, the famous sci-fi writer, published “Reason”, a short story in which the idea of transmitting collected solar energy wirelessly from a space station back to Earth via microwave beams took its debut. And this is the origin of the concept of Space-based Solar Power (SBSP).

Global energy consumption is ever-growing. According to the University of Oxford, the whole world consumes over 160,000 TWh of energy every year. Oil, coal, gas-generated energy occupies over 80% of the consumed power. However, solar energy only contributes 1% of all. 

With the current prediction of the world population reaching 9.7 billion by 2050, the global annual energy consumption is estimated to grow by 50% in less than thirty years. We can brook no delay to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.

Why SBSP? There are four main benefits of using this conceptual solar power technology. It can generate 40 times more energy annually than solar panels on Earth. It also emits no greenhouse gas compared to fossil fuels. At the same time, it produces almost 0% hazardous waste to the environment. Moreover, it works 24/7 and 99% of the year to generate power continuously.

To implement this conceptual idea, we need a solar collector set in an orbiting location, so that the device would always be under sunlight. The in-space solar panel will then convert solar energy into electricity of which will be beamed back to Earth via laser or microwave. The power station on Earth will then convert the collected energy back to electricity. Scientists proposed that the beam energy densities will not be harmful to human beings.

Yet, why we have not put this marvelous idea into reality yet? It is mainly because of the extremely high costs of deployment. It is estimated to be £7,716 per kilogram of materials (approx. £154 per watt) to launch this innovative concept in space. To compare, the installation cost of solar panels for households in the U.K. only costs £1.5 per watt. Not to mention the massive energy loss during the transmission.

However, there is no need to be frustrated because the world leaders got plans. For example, Japanese researchers have successfully transmitted electrical power wirelessly via microwaves. U.S. has invested millions in developing new technologies to enable the economic feasibility of launching and assembling SBSP. China even has a clear schedule of running a commercial SBSP plan in 2050!

So, keep our heads up and believe that the future of Earth will be as bright as the Sun.

Reference:
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk

Image Source:
https://www.spacelegalissues.com/the-legal-status-of-chinese-space-based-solar-power-stations/