A new kind of space race is developing. This time it is not a battle between global superpowers or billionaire tech entrepreneurs, but a fight to ensure future energy security. Recent experiments by European space giant Airbus have shown that sending solar power directly to Earth from space could be a real possibility, and would cost no more than existing power infrastructure on Earth. While it sounds like something out of science fiction, scientists around the world clearly believe it could become a game-changing reality, as labs race to invest in completing years of research to bring the idea to life.
The demonstration of the Airbus breakthrough took place at the Airbus X-Works innovation factory in Germany in September, when scientists successfully transmitted electrical energy in the form of microwaves from a photovoltaic panel to a microwave receiver. Space.com reported that "energy from lightning ignited a model city, then fueled hydrogen generators and refrigerators with non-alcoholic beer that audiences enjoyed . "
Although there has been a lot of fuss about the new (non-alcoholic) technology, the experiment is still in its infancy. Until now, Airbus wireless transmission systems have been capable of transmitting power over 30 meters (100 feet), from long distances into space, but engineers say they have no doubt they can reach that distance. in the next ten years. The next step is to send solar energy from an aerial platform to the ground. Then the final limit.
It is not surprising that Airbus is interested in this technology as a "game changer for aircraft". The idea is that power can be delivered directly to the aircraft, and the aircraft itself can act as a cellular node to transmit power around the world. But the technological potential goes beyond the aviation sector.
Transmission of solar energy directly from space could have a significant decarbonization effect, while avoiding energy shortages in the future. Solar energy can be collected more efficiently outside of Earth's atmosphere, which is obscured by clouds and particles. “Power Beaming technology will enable the creation of new energy networks in the sky and help solve energy problems,” said Jean-Dominique Coste, Senior Director of Blue Sky Innovation at Airbus, allowing countries to do so. They control their energy and distribute it fully when they need it, independently.
In fact, the European Space Agency is considering a three-year study, called ESA SOLARIS , to see if having a giant solar farm in space could work, and the BBC reports that it will likely get approval, partly because of that. The latest breakthrough from Airbus. "The ultimate goal is to have giant satellites in orbit, each capable of generating as much electricity as a power plant." This energy will be sent directly to the ground power grid and eventually to your home.
The idea itself is not new, but the practical knowledge it can achieve is beginning to show itself in the galvanization of exciting technological developments, cutting-edge innovative thinking, and cheaper parts and infrastructure. "The game changer is the lower cost of launches, thanks to reusable rockets and other innovations being developed privately," the BBC reports. “But there have also been advances in building robots in space,” as well as advances in space blocks.
While the environmental and energy security implications of such a project are promising, they are not ideal. It wouldn't be a space race if everyone played on the same team and with the same ideals, and ESA SOLARIS is not the only project of its kind. China also emits solar energy from its space station. However, the objective of this project is not decarbonization or energy security. Instead, the controversial project aims to power military equipment and remote outposts.
By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com
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