Space-based solar panels using a heliostat design could deliver continuous gigawatt-scale power by reflecting sunlight in orbit and beaming it to Earth stations for conversion to electricity. Modeling of a 33-country European grid integrating such SBSPs indicates potential replacement of up to 80% of land-based renewables, system cost reductions up to 15%, and reductions in battery storage demand by more than two-thirds. Land-based renewables remain variable and weather-dependent, while SBSPs offer centralized, weather-independent supply. Space-specific risks such as orbital congestion, transmission interruptions and beaming variability could affect reliability. Realizing cost-effectiveness likely requires cost reductions and deployment after 2050.
Solar panels in space could cut Europe's terrestrial renewable energy needs by 80% by 2050, a study has found. Using a detailed computer model of the continent's future power grid, the researchers found that a system of space-based panels designed by Nasa could reduce the cost of the whole European power system by as much as 15%. It could also cut battery use by more than two-thirds.
The space-based solar panel (SBSP) that yielded the positive results uses a heliostat design. The design, which the system imitates, uses mirror-like reflectors to collect sunlight in orbit. The sunlight is then transmitted to stations on Earth and converted to electricity before it is delivered to an energy grid. The computer model of the continent's power grid spans 33 countries, and simulates electricity demand, generation and storage to identify the lowest-cost option to meet Europe's electricity needs.
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