As the climate emergency grows increasingly urgent, the European Space Agency‘s 21 member states are exploring the possibility of establishing solar arrays in space through the Solaris programme. This cutting-edge initiative, would bypass challenges faced by terrestrial solar power generation, such as weather, atmospheric losses, and land constraints.
How will the Solaris programme work?
Solar arrays will be put at 22,000 miles into space, at the same altitude of most satellites. It’ll be easier for the panels to collect solar power in space where sunlight has a greater intensity than on earth. Scientists anticipate that each satellite will be able to generate two gigawatts of energy.
Utilising space-based solar power (SBSP) technologies, the programme would allow for continuous and highly efficient energy generation in space, unaffected by Earth’s day-night cycle or atmospheric interference, revolutionising solar energy capturing and consumption.
The Solaris initiative is exploring wireless energy transmission methods, such as microwave or laser technology, to transport solar energy from space to Earth. This approach offers significant environmental benefits, including the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels, supporting Europe’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.
What will the Solaris programme cost?
In order to address certain technological challenges, such as the development of lightweight solar panels, energy transmission systems, and space infrastructure, the programme requires significant investment. But no specific number has been named. International collaboration is anticipated, given the global implications of space-based solar power for energy security and climate change mitigation. It’s clearly understood that the Solaris project, whilst capable of gathering significantly more energy than solar farms on earth, is likely to be hugely costly and face major technical challenges.
The Solaris programme embodies a long-term vision for clean energy generation, with the potential to reshape the future of clean energy. Despite the technical and financial challenges involved, the initiative highlights Europe’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems and leading the way towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future powered by the sun.
