Space Solar Project Plans to Beam Power to Iceland by 2030

UK startup Space Solar has partnered with Reykjavik Energy, aiming to make Iceland the first nation to harness space-based solar power. The companies have committed to deploying a 30-MW solar power demonstrator by 2030, which will utilize solar panels stationed in geosynchronous orbit.

Source: TED/YouTube

Space-based solar power has been touted since the 1970s as a solution to the limitations of terrestrial solar panels, such as daily sunsets and weather disruptions. Positioned about 22,236 miles above the Earth, these orbital solar arrays would benefit from nearly constant sunlight, free from atmospheric interferences.

The technology involves converting sunlight into electricity via photovoltaic panels. This electricity is then transformed into microwaves, transmitted to Earth, and converted back into electricity through receiver arrays. Theoretically, just three of these massive orbital stations could supply all of Earth’s power needs.

However, the engineering realities present significant challenges. The sheer size of the solar and receiver arrays would be colossal, and the costs for such a project—both in construction and maintenance—are projected to be substantial. According to NASA, the price of space-based solar power could be up to 80 times more than that of traditional ground-based renewables.

Despite these hurdles, Space Solar is optimistic. The company is already planning to expand the initial demonstrator to a gigawatt-capacity facility by 2036 and is exploring additional sites in Canada and northern Japan for future projects.

Martin Soltau, co-CEO of Space Solar, expresses confidence in the initiative: “Space-based solar power offers unparalleled benefits with competitive energy costs and 24/7 availability,” he stated. “Reykjavik Energy’s recognition of the potential for space-based solar to drive the energy transition is exciting, and we’re thrilled to be working together in partnership toward a sustainable future.”

Please sign this petition to Tell the European Parliament and EU Countries to Commit to Radical Emissions Cuts!

Related Content:

• Robinhood Billionaire Launches Aetherflux to Harness Space-Based Solar Energy
• How ‘Cooling Glass’ Could Reflect Solar Radiation Back into Space
• Unleashing the Potential of Space-Based Solar Power
• Space Company Blue Origin Founded by Bezos Develops Tech That Uses Moon Dust to Make Solar Cells
• Harvesting the Power of the Cosmos: Caltech’s Revolutionary Plan to Harness Solar Energy from Space

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!