BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
A new study suggests that solar panels in space could meet up to 80 percent of Europe’s renewable energy needs by 2050. The research, conducted by engineers at King’s College London (KCL), uses detailed computer modeling to assess the potential of space-based solar power (SBSP) and finds promising possibilities for reducing cost, improving supply reliability, and supporting Europe’s net-zero goals.
The SBSP concept, originally designed by NASA, involves satellite-mounted mirror arrays that collect solar energy in orbit. These satellites then beam that energy to ground-based stations, where it’s converted into electricity and fed into the grid.
Dr. Wei He, senior lecturer at KCL’s engineering department and lead author of the study published in Joule, believes SBSP could “provide continuous solar power as a renewable energy source” and be a powerful complement to current renewable strategies.
Modeling a cleaner future
The researchers simulated energy demands across 33 European countries, incorporating NASA’s projections for SBSP energy output into the model. The addition of SBSP reduced land-based renewable energy needs by 80 percent, cut battery use by more than two-thirds, and reduced overall power system costs by up to 15 percent.
Traditional renewable sources like wind and solar are intermittent and dependent on weather, leading to energy storage challenges and variable costs. Space-based solar offers a centralized, stable supply by collecting sunlight above Earth’s atmosphere, free from clouds or nightfall.
“The sun is always shining in space,” Wei said. “This helps us achieve an uninterrupted supply of solar energy.”
Potential challenges in orbit
Despite the promising figures, the study acknowledges limitations. It does not yet account for operational hurdles like satellite congestion, space debris, transmission interruptions, or beaming variability.
“There are some risks to consider,” Wei explained. “Could [a satellite] have too many solar panels? Could it cause collisions or be damaged by debris in space?”
The technology also comes with high upfront costs. While the long-term benefits are notable, SBSP may not be commercially viable until 2050 unless significant technological advances lower construction and launch expenses.
Europe’s cooperative advantage
Still, researchers say Europe is well-positioned to explore SBSP thanks to its history of multinational collaboration, especially through the European Space Agency and its existing infrastructure for cross-border electricity exchange.
“Europe has a tradition of working together on satellite technology and shared energy grids,” Wei said. “This makes it an ideal candidate for a centralized SBSP program.”
Japan is already incorporating SBSP into its climate and energy strategies, and the researchers hope Europe will follow suit. With rising demand for clean, reliable energy, and new urgency around phasing out fossil fuels, the timing could be right.
Source study: Joule— Assess space-based solar power for European-scale power system decarbonization
