Space Solar Power Could Cut Europe's 2050 Energy Costs by 7-15%
Scientists are exploring innovative solutions to meet Europe's 2050 net-zero commitment. A study in Joule suggests that space-based solar power could significantly lower costs. Two designs under development at NASA, particularly a heliostat swarm, could potentially replace up to 80 percent of Earth-bound wind and solar installations and reduce battery usage by over 70 percent.
NASA's cost projections indicate that the heliostat design could reduce total energy system costs by 7 to 15 percent by 2050. This design could maintain optimal sunlight collection nearly all the time, unlike planar array designs that are limited by Earth-facing constraints and generate power only 60% of the time. However, the heliostat design is further from realization compared to the planar array design, which could be deployed sooner.
Space-based solar power could provide power around the clock, simplifying energy storage requirements. The idea is being taken seriously by a growing number of governments, with space agencies in the US, Europe, Japan, and China developing and testing concepts. Although the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Fraunhofer Institutes are active in relevant research, no specific German institutions were identified as currently engaged in satellite-based SpaceX power generation and testing.
Space-based solar power could play a significant role in achieving a carbon-free grid in Europe by 2050. However, regulatory challenges and public acceptance may present hurdles. Further research and development are needed to overcome these obstacles and bring this innovative solution to fruition.
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