In the first study of its kind, researchers at King’s College London have discovered that space-based solar power (SBSP) could cut Europe’s renewable energy requirements by up to 80 per cent. Here Mike Torbitt, Managing Director of resistor manufacturer Cressall, discusses what this means for the future of renewable energy, and the role resistor technology will play in making these developments possible.
From analysing NASA designs, researchers at King’s found that SBSP had the potential to reduce energy battery storage needs by over two thirds.
The feasibility of solar panels in space is still yet to be determined; there are significant technical and cost limitations to overcome first. However, it is hoped that it could become possible by 2050. If successful, it would be a giant leap towards international net zero efforts.
NASA’s concepts, involving satellites in geostationary orbit, would allow for a continuous harvesting of sunlight that could then be beamed to Europe as microwaves. The result would be dispatchable, zero carbon power that is unaffected by varying weather conditions.
The advantages are clear, but the challenge, of course, is navigating the technical complexities and initial investment required to complete such an ambitious project.