Where is our energy coming from next?
By Matthew Walker
“Every 24 hours, enough sunlight touches the Earth to provide energy for the entire planet for 24 years”
-Martha Maeda
The Solaris Project Proposal
The Solaris project, proposed by the European Space Agency (ESA), is a revolutionary space-based solar harvesting system that aims to collect solar energy in space and transmit it back to Earth using wireless power transmission technology. While this proposal has the potential to change the renewable energy industry, its implementation requires substantial investment and technological advancement, making its viability and success dependent on various economic factors.
The primary economic benefit of the Solaris project is the increased consistency of energy production compared to ground-based solar panels. Solar panels on Earth are affected by weather patterns, day-night cycles, and other factors, causing fluctuations in energy production. On the other hand, space-based solar panels are not affected by atmospheric absorption or scattering, leading to a more consistent and reliable source of energy. This consistency can be particularly important for countries or regions with high energy demand. Moreover, the Solaris project has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar energy collection, resulting in a lower cost per unit of energy generated. The lack of atmosphere in space makes it possible for space-based solar energy more competitive with traditional sources of energy.
However, the implementation of the Solaris project is not without its challenges. The cost of launching and maintaining a space-based solar collection system is substantial, requiring the development and deployment of specialised technology such as wireless power transmission systems and advanced solar panels. This high cost makes it necessary for international cooperation and investment.
The development of efficient wireless power transmission technology is another challenge facing the Solaris project. This technology needs to transmit large amounts of energy over long distances with minimal energy loss. The research and development required to achieve the necessary efficiency and reliability is significant, and there is no guarantee of success.
The economics of the Solaris project will also be influenced by the availability of other renewable energy sources and the cost of traditional energy sources. The competitiveness of other sources of renewable energy and the cost of traditional energy sources will play a crucial role in determining the viability and success of the Solaris project.
Without doubt, the Solaris project presents a unique opportunity for the renewable energy industry, offering the potential for a more consistent and efficient source of energy. However, its viability and success are dependent on various economic factors, including the cost of launching and maintaining a space-based solar collection system, the development of efficient wireless power transmission technology, and the competitiveness of other renewable energy sources and traditional energy sources.
Will this solution ever become reality?
