Energy production is one of the many factors leading to climate change, but given the necessity of energy, more progress is needed to make the process of entering the era of space-based energy more sustainable.
This is not a new concept, but recent developments have made it easier to become a choice - the answer to space-based energy or a clean Earth.
But what is space-based energy and what does it mean for the future?
With the help of Northern Power Grid Company, we are here to tell you what you need to know.
What exactly is space-based energy?
Thanks to advances in technologies such as ultra-light solar cells, space-based energy is a sustainable way to obtain energy.
By using solar modules, reflectors and mirrors installed in space, solar energy can be collected. This allows solar radiation to be directed towards components, transmitted to Earth, forming space-based energy that is then converted into electricity.
Therefore, regardless of the weather and time of the year, energy can be produced in a clean and renewable manner, achieving a more sustainable future.
Due to the ability of this process to generate a large amount of energy, space-based energy may outperform other energy sources in addressing climate crises.
Energy production is one of the many factors leading to climate change, but given the necessity of energy, more progress is needed to make the process of entering space-based energy more sustainable
What are the benefits of space-based energy?
There are many advantages, but one of the main benefits is that it can continuously generate electricity. Space-based solar power stations can be powered by the sun 24/7, making them a more efficient energy conversion method than existing terrestrial solar power systems, which depend on time and weather.
The global demand for energy is expected to grow by 47% by 2050, making sustainable energy absolutely crucial. The demand for power connections will continue to exist, so space-based energy can provide a cleaner power solution, which is a significant advantage. In fact, this power source method will generate 0% of greenhouse gas emissions, which can meet the demand for energy while preventing damage to the Earth.
Another benefit we can achieve through space-based energy is reducing land use. For solar energy, although it is another sustainable power supply method, it also has some environmental impacts. Changing sunlight exposure is only one of the impacts of solar energy installations, as it can prevent rainfall in some areas and affect plant growth. However, this is not an impact caused by space-based energy, therefore space-based energy is a more reliable source of electricity.
What is the future of space-based energy?
On a global scale, space-based energy has made many progress, and the high implementation cost of sustainable solutions is one of the challenges. However, the future of space-based energy is full of hope, and several countries are discussing investment issues.
In the UK, the government is in negotiations to build a space-based solar power plant to achieve the net zero target by 2050. Net zero is the goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions with greenhouse gas emissions removed from the atmosphere. This £ 16 billion ($20 billion) project has the potential to achieve this goal.
On the other side of the world, China has tested its technology to meet its goal of building solar power plants in space by 2028. This technology allows the establishment of a space-based solar power plant that can transmit energy to Earth, and energy experts and scholars will verify multiple tests in June this year.
The United States has developed a plan that reflects progress. In order to produce advanced space-based solar power technology, Northrop Grumman has cooperated with the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the project cost reached 100 million US dollars. In addition, Northrop Grumman has collaborated with the California Institute of Technology to develop the "Space Solar Initiative", another project that promotes space-based energy through innovation.
Japan is another country that has made progress in space-based energy. By 2025, the goal of Japan Aerospace Systems Corporation based in Tokyo is to develop a space solar system that collects energy from the sun and uses satellites to transmit it to Earth. Therefore, achieving a cleaner future may only be a matter of time.
Although many countries have not yet contributed to space-based energy solutions, significant progress and investment have been made. Perhaps it won't be long before this can help us reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
