Numerous studies and experiments are underway to assess the technical and economic feasibility of an innovative project: capturing solar energy from space. Although there is still a long way to go, this proposal represents hope for a more sustainable and cleaner future.
Finland is at the forefront of energy innovation by promoting this project, which aims to transform our way of obtaining energy. The idea is to install solar panels in Earth orbit to continuously capture solar energy, without climatic restrictions. This ambitious initiative seeks to harness the constant solar radiation in space to generate electricity on a large scale and send it to Earth.
The electricity produced by the panels would be converted into microwaves or laser and transmitted to receivers on our planet. Once received, it would be transformed back into electricity to integrate into the electrical grid. Space solar energy offers multiple benefits, such as an inexhaustible source of clean energy, energy independence by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and greater efficiency in energy capture and transmission.
Despite the opportunities this project offers, there are significant challenges to overcome, such as the high costs of developing and deploying solar panels in space, the technological complexity of transmitting energy via microwaves or lasers, and the need for clear space regulations to ensure safety and avoid conflicts.
Finnish researchers, in collaboration with international institutions, are committed to overcoming these challenges. Their goal is to make the vision of accessible and sustainable space solar energy a reality, contributing to mitigating climate change and ensuring energy supply for future generations.