Space-Based Solar Power System Research Funded by U.K.

The U.K. government has commissioned new research into a space-based solar power system that would use very large solar power satellites to collect solar energy, convert it into high-frequency radio waves, and safely beam it back to ground-based receivers connected to the electrical power grid.

'This pioneering government-backed study will help shine a light on the possibilities for a space-based solar power system which, if successful, could play an important role in reducing our emissions and meeting the U.K.’s ambitious climate change targets."

U.K. Science Minister Amanda Solloway.

It is an idea first conjured by science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov in 1941, and is now being studied by several nations because the lightweight solar panels and wireless power transmission technology is advancing rapidly. This, together with lower cost commercial space launch, may make the concept of a space-based solar power system more feasible and economically viable.

Now the U.K. in 2020 will explore whether this renewable technology could offer a resilient, safe and sustainable energy source.

"Solar space stations may sound like science fiction, but they could be a game-changing new source of energy for the U.K. and the rest of the world," said Science Minister Amanda Solloway. 'This pioneering government-backed study will help shine a light on the possibilities for a space-based solar power system which, if successful, could play an important role in reducing our emissions and meeting the U.K.’s ambitious climate change targets."

The study, led by Frazer-Nash Consultancy, will consider the engineering and economics of such a space-based solar power system – whether it could deliver affordable energy for consumers, and the engineering and technology that would be required to build it. One of the biggest issues to overcome is assembling the massive satellites in orbit, which has not been done before at this scale.

"The Sun never sets in space, so a space solar power system could supply renewable energy to anywhere on the planet, day or night, rain or shine. It is an idea that has existed for decades, but has always felt decades away," said Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the U.K. Space Agency. "The U.K. is growing its status as a global player in space and we have bold plans to launch small satellites in the coming years. Space solar could be another string to our bow, and this study will help establish whether it is right for the U.K."

Historically, the cost of rocket launches and the weight that would be required for a project of this scale made the idea of space-based solar power unfeasible. But the emergence of privately-led space ventures has brought the cost of launch down dramatically in the last decade.

"Decarbonizing our economy is vital. We need to explore new technologies to provide clean, affordable, secure and dependable energy for the nation. SBSP has the potential to contribute substantially to U.K. energy generation, and offers many benefits if it can be made practical and affordable," said Martin Soltau, Space Business Manager at Frazer-Nash. "Frazer-Nash is studying the leading international solar power satellite designs, and we will be drawing up the engineering plan to deploy an operational SBSP system by 2050. We are forming an expert panel, comprised of leading SBSP experts and space and energy organizations, to gain a range of industry views.

"We will compare SBSP alongside other forms of renewable energy, to see how it would contribute as part of a future mix of clean energy technologies. We have also partnered with Oxford Economics, who have significant experience in the space sector and who will provide additional insight to the economic assessment of the system, and the benefit to the U.K. economy.

"As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, prominent research institutions and government agencies are focusing new money and attention on novel approaches to reduce global warming," Soltau said.

In 2019, Britain passed an important milestone, with more electricity generated from sources like wind, solar and nuclear power, that produce almost no carbon dioxide emissions, than from carbon-emitting fuels like natural gas and coal.

According to the World Resources Institute – a Washington-based non-profit that tracks climate change – Britain has reduced carbon dioxide generated in the country by about 40 per cent, which is more than any other major industrialised country.

As the National Space Council sets a new direction for space policy, the U.K. Space Agency is committed to understanding the future opportunities space technologies open up.

(Source: Joint U.K. Space Agency and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy news release. Image provided)