Chapter 1: The Quest for Clean Energy

In the race to combat our self-inflicted climate crisis, numerous initiatives are underway. One notable project is the multi-billion dollar ITER fusion experiment, which aims to create carbon-neutral fusion energy. However, these projects are progressing too slowly, and significant breakthroughs remain elusive. To secure a sustainable future, we urgently need vast amounts of ultra-low emission energy within the next decade—something that current endeavors like ITER cannot provide. Recently, Airbus unveiled a pioneering technology that could turn space-based solar energy into a viable reality. But what exactly is space-based solar power, and could it be the solution we've been searching for?

For context, I previously discussed space-based solar energy (which you can refer to here). To bring everyone up to speed, let’s briefly explore its concept and advantages.

Traditional solar power is remarkable; it is the most affordable energy source available, with prices plummeting to $28 per kWh, and it boasts a low carbon footprint of just 6 grams of CO2 per kWh generated. You might assume this makes it an ideal solution for our planet. However, conventional solar energy has its limitations.

Firstly, it lacks on-demand availability, as energy production halts during cloudy days or at night. This necessitates the use of large grid-level batteries, whose production involves significant environmental costs. Consequently, relying solely on solar energy to power an entire grid becomes challenging, as demand can swiftly surpass supply, leading to blackouts. Additionally, solar farms contribute to habitat loss, either directly by occupying wild areas or indirectly by displacing farmland, which can lead to further encroachment into natural habitats. Lastly, the manufacturing of solar panels consumes considerable energy and uses harmful chemicals that can cause metal leaching, resulting in an environmental impact that, while smaller than that of fossil fuels, is still substantial.

However, we can enhance solar energy's effectiveness by simply changing its location. Geostationary satellites receive 23 hours and 46 minutes of unfiltered sunlight daily. This consistent exposure allows solar panels in orbit to generate up to 40 times more energy annually compared to those on Earth! Thus, if we can place solar panels in orbit and transmit the energy back to our planet, we can address many of solar power's current limitations. The continuous energy flow eliminates the need for large batteries on the ground, conserves land, and reduces the environmental footprint associated with panel production.

So, why has space-based solar power not yet been utilized? The two primary challenges are the costs of launching a solar farm into geostationary orbit and transmitting energy back to Earth.

Fortunately, SpaceX's Starship may soon resolve the first challenge. Capable of transporting over 100 tons to geostationary orbit for just $10 million, it offers a cost-effective alternative—more than 90% cheaper than NASA’s equivalent rocket. Furthermore, its operation on carbon-neutral biofuel positions it as one of the cleanest launch vehicles in history. These factors suggest that establishing a large solar farm in orbit could be both feasible and environmentally sustainable.

The more complex issue lies in returning the energy to Earth. Many experts propose using microwaves for this purpose, as they can penetrate thick cloud cover for consistent energy delivery. However, these systems are prohibitively expensive and suffer from low transmission efficiency over the vast distance of 36,000 km from geostationary satellites to the Earth’s surface. While launching the solar farm is achievable, the cost of the transmitted energy could be astronomical, making it impractical.

This is where Airbus enters the picture. The company has been developing a microwave-based energy transmission system that promises both high efficiency and low costs, making space-based solar energy a tangible possibility. Recently, they constructed a scaled-down model that successfully transmitted energy from space to a model city 36 meters away. This demonstration illustrates that their technology is progressing toward achieving these critical objectives.

While the efficiency of this model has not yet been disclosed and further improvements are needed, Airbus has expressed confidence that, once operational, the cost of space-based solar energy could match that of nuclear power—around $167.50 per kWh. Such pricing could make this revolutionary technology economically viable and scalable.

So, when can we expect Airbus to finalize and implement this innovation? The company is set to begin testing full-scale prototypes in the early 2030s. Although these prototypes will not be capable of powering a city, they will serve to validate that a geostationary satellite can effectively transmit energy to Earth. This indicates that widespread adoption of space-based solar power could materialize by 2040.

While this timeline may seem delayed, it aligns with the critical emissions reductions needed between 2040 and 2050—when we must achieve over 50% cuts in emissions and reach full carbon neutrality. If space-based solar power gains traction during the 2040s, it could play a crucial role in achieving these ambitious environmental goals without causing additional harm to ecosystems.

I explore numerous technologies aimed at combating climate change, from fusion energy to new solar technologies and carbon capture. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, necessitating a multifaceted approach to environmental preservation. However, space-based solar power stands out for having the fewest drawbacks and is among the most feasible options on the horizon. I genuinely believe this relatively underappreciated concept could become one of the most significant tools we have in addressing the daunting challenge of climate change. For the benefit of our planet and future generations, let’s hope Airbus successfully propels this initiative forward.

Chapter 2: The Future of Energy