The contribution solar energy from space could supply almost all of Europe first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
Solar energy from space could reduce Europe’s energy requirements by up to 80 percent. The concept is reaching within reach of reaching the climate goals. Nevertheless, there are some challenges.
Humanity efforts to take advantage of space has been around for a long time. Science fiction authors and scientists from all over the world are always developing new ideas. One of the approaches: to generate solar energy in space.
Researchers of the Londoner King’s College recently have the results of a current study published. In it they have the concept of the so -called “Innovative heliocha” from NASA examined. These are solar modules in space that could cover up to 80 percent of the electricity requirements in Europe.
Solar energy from space could revolutionize Europe’s energy supply
The solar generator designed by NASA is planned for 2050. It consists of a swarm of autonomous, small Spiegel satellites that collect sunlight and direct them bundled to central solar modules.
The solar modules are stationed in space and convert light into electrical energy, which is then transferred to one or more stations on earth. There, the energy collected is transformed into electricity and forwarded to the power grid or battery systems for storage.
Solar modules could generate electricity almost all year round
The large -scale solar panels are attached to satellites in orbit. There they get a lot more sunlight without being impaired by clouds or the day-night change. The system can generate electricity up to 99.7 percent of the year.
As a result, gas power plants would no longer have to compensate for such fluctuations. Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes also have no effect on energy generation.
The concept promises to significantly reduce the need for fossil fuels and to reduce the need for saving batteries to reduce more than two thirds.
The results also show that the total costs of the European energy system, including production, storage and network infrastructure, would decrease by up to 15 percent. This saved around 35.9 billion euros per year.
Solar energy from space very expensive
Despite the enormous savings, there are currently still some hurdles. The technology has not yet been mature, the costs for the construction and operation of such systems in space are currently six to nine times higher than solar energy from the earth.
In addition, there are technical challenges such as the precise control of the many solar modules, maintenance in space and avoiding space waste.
Nevertheless, the London researchers are optimistic. “For the first time we showed what positive influence this technology could have for Europe,” explains Professor Wei He, senior author and senior lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering.
“The achievement of climate neutrality by 2050 requires significant change to renewable energies, and this new technology could play an important role in this.”
The system designed by NASA, which was examined in this study, is currently one of two concepts for solar -powered energy generation systems in space.
Also interesting:
- New solar cell converts artificial light into electricity
- Solar generators: black metal generates 15 times more electricity
- Shocking numbers: Report reveals the environmental impact of AI
- What influence have solar parks on the environment and ecosystems?
The contribution of solar energy from space could supply almost all of Europe first appeared on basic thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a tech industry expert, I find the concept of utilizing solar energy from space to supply almost all of Europe with power to be a fascinating and innovative idea. The potential benefits of such a system are numerous, including a virtually unlimited and consistent source of clean energy, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
However, there are also several challenges and obstacles that would need to be overcome in order to make this concept a reality. The cost of developing and launching the necessary infrastructure into space, as well as the technological complexities of transmitting the energy back to Earth, are significant hurdles that would need to be addressed.
Additionally, there are potential concerns regarding the environmental impact of such a system, as well as the potential security risks associated with relying on a single, centralized source of energy supply. It will be essential to thoroughly assess and mitigate these risks before moving forward with the implementation of a space-based solar energy system.
Overall, while the idea of using solar energy from space to power Europe is a promising one, it will require a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors to overcome the challenges and make it a reality. With proper planning and investment, this technology could potentially revolutionize the way we think about energy production and consumption on a global scale.
Credits