British Space Solar Power Station

What is a space-based solar power system?

In 2023 a SOLARIS study led by Thales Alania Space Italy, with contributions from renewable energy company ENEL, began to draw up an early definition of a space-based solar power system that uses radio waves to deliver a reliable 24/7 supply of energy to the ground.

What is the UK Space Energy Initiative?

Over 50 British technology organizations, including heavyweights such as aerospace manufacturer Airbus, Cambridge University and satellite maker SSTL, have joined the U.K. Space Energy Initiative, which launched last year in a quest to explore options for developing a space-based solar power plant .

Can space-based solar power be developed?

There is significant potential for the space and energy sectors to work together to support the development of space-based solar power, and the UK Space Agency has contributed £1 million to these innovative projects to help take this revolutionary concept to the next level.

How would a space-based solar power plant work?

The space-based solar power plant would produce much more power than an equivalent station on Earth. (Image credit: Space Energy Initiative) "The principal functions of the satellite are collecting the solar energy via large, lightweight mirrors and concentrating optics onto photovoltaic cells, just like we do on Earth," said Soltau.