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Space-Based Solar Power Project
An ambitious project seeks to generate 30 megawatts of electricity from space-based solar power, initially supplying Iceland, then expanding to other countries.
Spanish
Germany
TechnologyClimate ChangeEnergy SecurityArtificial IntelligenceEnergySpaceRenewableSolar
Reykjavik EnergyTransition LabsSpace SolarCaltechSpacex
Martin SoltauJosé Urrejola
- How will the space-based solar power system function?
- A large satellite equipped with solar panels will orbit Earth, absorbing sunlight and transmitting the energy via radio waves to a receiving station for conversion into electricity. The satellite will be exceptionally heavy and large once deployed.
- What is the primary goal of this ambitious energy project?
- The project aims to generate up to 30 megawatts of electricity from space-based solar power by 2030, potentially supplying 1,500-3,000 Icelandic homes initially. Expansion to gigawatt levels is planned by 2036.
- What is the main advantage of generating solar power in space?
- The advantage of space-based solar power is its consistent energy generation, unlike Earth-based solar power susceptible to weather conditions. This offers 24/7 energy availability.
- What is the current state of space-based solar power technology?
- While a Caltech experiment successfully transmitted miliwatts from space, this ambitious project seeks to achieve significantly higher energy output with the goal of providing a carbon-free energy solution.
- Which countries are initially targeted to receive power from this project?
- Iceland is the targeted initial recipient of this space-based solar power, but the project also envisions supplying Canada and northern Japan as the project scales up.