Its energy Jim... but not as we know it

We all know energy technology is developing rapidly and a recent report issued by BEIS reflects exactly how rapidly with a publication that comes straight out of Star Trek.

‘Space Based Solar Power - De-risking the pathway to Net Zero’ claims that “Space Based Solar Power has the potential to provide a major contribution to energy generation across the globe. Spaced Based Solar Power provides scalable, base load energy, with a range of desirable characteristics.”

In terms of operation the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) is a massive, kilometre scale spacecraft, typically in Geostationary Earth Orbit, featuring large lightweight solar panels generating over 3 Gigawatts of electricity on the satellite. This is converted into high frequency radio waves and beamed to a rectifying antenna on earth and the radio frequency proposed is in the 1 to 10GHz ‘atmospheric window’, making it capable of beaming at full power irrespective of the seasons and weather. An encrypted pilot beam sent from the ground to the satellite ensures both security and control of the transmitted energy. The rectenna converts the radio waves into electricity and typically around 2GW of power is delivered into the grid. Each SPS is thus comparable in power output to a nuclear power station.

This kind of technological research reflects the range of potential energy generation. Although we wouldn’t expect your average district council to launch an SPS anytime soon, it is realistic for local authorities to trial new approaches to service delivery, products, vehicles, apps and other ways of reducing demand for energy and services in order to address the climate and ecological emergency. There are real benefits to be gained from working with private suppliers to access specialist knowledge, instil a culture of innovation through pilot exercises and contribute to building a local supply chain.

And with nuclear power stations in near space, let’s hope the Klingon’s aren’t looking for a barny anytime soon!