As we strive for sustainable energy sources, an ambitious initiative known as SOLARIS, named after the science fiction novel by Stanislaw Lém, seeks to supplement our renewable energy efforts with a bold concept: establishing solar power plants in space for a reliable base load in the power grid. Such plants would enable almost constant power generation due to their prime location in orbit.
The initiative took off in November 2022 and has since progressed into a more decisive phase. Preliminary studies regarding technology choices and overall practicability have been conducted, revealing promising prospects. Advances in affordable rocket launches and robotics technology have made the prospect of building and maintaining such installations in space increasingly viable.
The initiative is currently exploring two leading concepts, each with its strengths, and pursuing them in tandem. The first approach involves transferring solar energy collected in space to Earth-based receiving stations through radio waves. This method isn’t entirely novel – satellites already send small-scale energy packets to Earth using this principle. The major challenge lies in scaling up this method to transmit substantially larger quantities of energy without disturbances.
The second concept hinges on using mirrors in space to redirect sunlight to terrestrial solar farms, potentially enabling nearly constant electricity generation, even during nighttime. It’s a technically feasible idea, where the power generation remains terrestrial, using standard solar parks. The reflected sunlight would be akin to natural sunlight and hence, entirely safe. By adjusting mirrors to target solar installations under clear skies, this method promises to maximize the utility of existing solar cells.
Both ideas present intriguing solutions to meet Earth’s growing energy demands without competing with terrestrial renewable efforts. As we approach the end of 2025, SOLARIS is expected to conclude its study phase, identifying which concept or concepts can move forward to realization.
Engaging in the SOLARIS project reflects a broader commitment to renewable energy and technological innovation. While continuing to embrace Earth-based renewable solutions, there’s also a need to look beyond our planet, harnessing the untapped potential of space to meet the energy needs of a growing population. With deliberate research and development, these space-based solar power concepts might soon transition from ambitious ideas to revolutionary energy sources.
