Making space solar power possible

15th Nov 2011

Harvesting solar energy from space could provide a cost-effective way to meet global power
needs, according to a study by an international scientific group.

Research conducted by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) has found that orbiting power plants – capable of collecting solar energy and beaming it to Earth – appear "technically feasible" within 10 to 20 years, based on current technology.

The academy – supported by former NASA head of concepts John Mankins – presented their findings to a National Space Society conference in Washington yesterday (November 14), highlighting that the plants that would be able to gather energy from the sun ceaselessly since sunset and weather would not factor in.

"It is clear that solar power delivered from space could play a tremendously important role in meeting the global need for energy during the 21st century," Mr Mankins said.

Believed to be the first broadly based international assessment of potential paths to collecting solar energy in space and delivering it to markets on Earth via wireless power transmission, the study was headed by former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation Madhavan
Nair.

According to the study, this type of space solar power project could be made economically viable in 30 years or less, without the need for a road map or specific architecture.

Funding from both governments and the private sector would be vital, particularly as we are continuing to rely on fossil fuels, rather than renewable energies.

However, the study recognised that "private-sector funding is unlikely to proceed alone because of the "economic uncertainties" of the development and demonstration phases and the time lags".

One particular benefit noted by the National Space Society was the "essentially zero" terrestrial environmental impact a space project would have.

While this type of technology is a long way off, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown believes that Australia could be totally powered by renewable energy within a decade.

Speaking on the upcoming Clean Energy Future package – which was approved by federal parliament last week (November 8) – Mr Brown claimed that Australians should not "rest on our laurels" when it comes to protecting the environment.
"…we'll be looking at how we can improve on [the package] in the future," Mr Brown said.

"We really need to be taking this seriously."

Posted by Mike Peacock – Solar Correspondent 

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: