It seems that we’re getting closer to harnessing solar energy from space. Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) collects and harvests solar energy via solar-powered satellites. From there, the solar energy is converted into microwaves and then sent to high-frequency radio waves to a certain point on earth during the day.
Once on the ground, an antenna will convert electromagnetic energy into electricity that will power the grid for energy consumers.
Collecting solar power in space is a concept introduced previously, but there has been a growing interest in recent years. The increase in interest is partly due to the mounting pressure to meet climate goals and national space plans.
In October, Australia and Britain were in talks to create a power station in orbit that would be available for commercial use. The British government sought the interest of several Aussie states, including New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia, to build a 2GW solar power station in space.
How it works
The concept is to launch and position rotating satellites that will collect sunlight to be converted into energy for Earth and sent into the grid. It’s still early days, yet the two countries are looking forward to getting their go-ahead signal as early as next year, which could help both countries reach their net zero emission goals.
The growing demand for space-based solar
It is expected that the demand for energy globally will reach almost 50 per cent by 2050. Therefore, SBSP is one of the technologies that could accommodate future energy needs.
SCSP would be “vital for Australia to consider our energy supply chain from both a strategic and climate-conscious perspective if we are to maintain our present standard of living and protect our environment,” said Scully-Power.
Scully-Power was the first Australia-born person to leave Earth aboard the 13th flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle program in the 1980s.
Currently, Scully-Power now serves as the NSW government’s space industry ambassador and the special space envoy and defence for NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN).
Solar Space Technologies in Victoria is now set to turn that into a reality, with a proposal to deliver solar power satellites into geostationary orbit by 2027.
It can also be recalled that, in August 2021, CSIRO’s printable solar cells were tested in space in partnership with Australia’s Space Machines. The goal is to provide Australian space companies with cheaper solar cells.
The future of space-based solar in Australia
With the rising energy prices today, space-based solar has become more feasible, and it is, indeed, gaining more support. It is not only Scully-Power who is behind this, but also the European Space Agency (ESA), which issues new technologies and concepts to make space-based solar even more possible.
Whilst solar PV is the main energy source for space infrastructure and hardware, things are about to change as more solutions come to the table, including CSIRO’s printable solar cells that promise to be cheaper with a higher power-to-weight ratio.
Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
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