The European Space Agency analyzes investing in obtaining solar energy from space
Europe is studying the possibility of obtaining solar energy through a space-mounted infrastructure, to boost its energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production.
This possibility opens after the declarations of the director general of the European Space Agency (ESA), who proposed the development of the first space-based solar energy system in Europe, whose construction would eventually begin in 2025.
Europe looks to space for an alternative to produce clean energy
The ESA, a conglomerate that brings together government representatives from 22 European states, will make a decision in November against the proposal of the director general of the Space Agency, Josef Aschbacher.
The ESA leader now has the mission of obtaining support and sources of financing for the Solaris Program, an initiative under which this proposal is framed, whose axis is the use of space solar energy to decarbonize the continent’s energy production.
“It will be up to Europe, ESA and its Member States to push the technology forward to solve one of the most pressing problems for people on Earth in this generation”Ashbacher said.
To advance the analysis of this initiative, ESA commissioned two independent cost-benefit studies from its consulting groups based in the UK and Germany, the results of which were published this week.
Considering that Europe currently consumes approximately 3,000 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year, studies have indicated that the massive installations in geostationary orbit proposed under this initiative could satisfy only between a quarter and a third of that demand, approximately.
Under this model, the proposed dynamic is based on the fact that satellites with photovoltaic cells, being in an orbit high above the atmosphere, can collect solar energy without being affected by the night or by clouds that cover the sky. To use this energy on earth, it would have to be sent by means of microwaves, to be captured on the earth’s surface through antennas or photovoltaic cells, to subsequently convert them into electricity.
Despite how practical this system seems, there are ardent detractors of its implementation. One of them is Elon Musk, who some years ago commented: “It’s the stupidest thing in the world. If anyone likes space solar energy, it should be me. I have a rocket company and a solar company.”adding that “You’re going to have a very difficult time even getting to 50 percent. So just put that solar cell on Earth.”.
Apart from those comments, the same studies commissioned by the ESA present some alarms. “Using short-term projected space-lift capability, like SpaceX’s Starship, and current launch limitations, putting a satellite into orbit would take 4-6 years.”reported Frazer-Nash, one of the two consulting firms. “Providing the number of satellites to meet the maximum contribution SBSP could make to the energy mix in 2050 would require a 200-fold increase over current space lift capacity”adds the report, regarding the challenge that would entail executing this initiative.
