Page 21 - Autumn 2024

Industry News

SOLAR ENERGY FROM

SPACE CUTS BATTERY

STORAGE NEEDS

For the first time researchers from King’s College
London have assessed the potential impact that
solar energy from space could have for Europe,
with findings suggesting that it could cut battery
storage needs by over two thirds.
The study analysed the potential of a design by NASA
for solar generation and considered how useful this
type of energy could be when used in conjunction
with European energy grids. It also provided a cost
estimation for the use of this technology in the
European market for the first time.
NASA’s RD1, which was used for the study, is one of
two designs for space-based solar panel power
systems designed by NASA. The principle utilises the
continuous collection of solar energy in space by
placing large solar panels on satellites in orbit, and
then transmitting the gathered energy to stations
on Earth where it could be converted into electricity
for subsequent delivery to the grid or to batteries for
storage.
Professor Wei He, Lead Author and Senior Lecturer
in the Department for Engineering at King’s College
London, states:
“ For the first time we have shown the positive impact
this technology could provide for Europe. Although
the feasibility of this technology is still under review,
our research highlights its vast economic and
environmental potential if adopted.
Reaching net zero emissions by 2050 is going to
require a significant shift to renewable energy, and
this emerging technology could play a pivotal role in
that transition”.
Reference: Miles, S., ‘Solar Panels in Space could cut Europe’s
renewable Energy needs by 80 per cent’, Electronic Specifier, 26th.
August

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