Future Solar Power Plants In Space Will Beam Sun's Energy To Earth: Here's How

Natural sources of power like solar and wind are touted as the end to all energy woes of human beings, and rightly so. The Sun has enough energy to power multiple Earths, yet we're still somewhat unable to fully take advantage of solar power.

A few countries are looking to try something new. For starters, China just fast-tracked the future launch of its solar power plant space station that will essentially beam back energy to Earth for our use.

China's first launch has now been brought forward to 2028. A trial satellite will be launched for this purpose and will orbit Earth at a distance of 400 kilometres (248 miles). According to the South China Morning Post, the satellite will "convert solar energy to microwaves or lasers and then direct the energy beams to various targets, including fixed locations on Earth and moving satellites."

A detailed paper was published in the peer-reviewed journal Chinese Space Science and Technology.

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Beaming solar energy to Earth via satellites

NASA had also proposed a similar energy project about two decades ago, but it was never developed. At the same time, the UK government has commissioned research to support a ?16 billion satellite in Earth's orbit by 2035.

The UK-funded research highlights how the mechanism will collect abundant solar power in orbit, and then beam "it securely to a fixed point" on Earth. It also mentions how satellites in Earth's orbit receive sunlight for more than 99% of the time at greater intensity than what we receive on Earth's surface.

Also read: Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom Will Use Wind, Solar Energy To Power Network Towers

In addition, the energy-carrying beams could be directed to places that need it the most. This could be in the form of export or to aid disaster relief. Such satellites will be able to beam back energy to Earth 24x7, regardless of the weather.

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According to Chinese paper's author Professor Dong Shiwei, high-powered microwaves over such large distances would require an enormous antenna (we're talking thousands of metres). At the same time, solar winds, gravity, and the satellite's movement could could get in the way of energy transmission.

Also read: Scientists Have Developed Liquid Solar Energy System That Can Store Electricity For 18 Years

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While these challenges remain, this novel idea could take Earth's energy capabilities to the next level. What do you think about beaming solar energy to Earth from space? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

Chen, S. (2022, June 7). China plans to start building first-ever solar power plant in space by 2028. South China Morning Post.

Sky. (2022, June 7). China brings forward launch of solar power plant space station that would beam energy back to Earth. Sky News.