‘Clean power everywhere’: How space-based solar could help us go beyond net zero targets
The concept of harnessing solar energy from space, once relegated to science fiction, is gaining traction as a potential solution to the world’s growing energy demands and the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. What began as a plot device in Isaac Asimov’s 1941 short story ‘Reason’ is now the subject of serious research and investment.
What is Space-Based Solar Power?
Space-based solar power (SBSP) involves deploying large constellations of satellites in high-earth orbit to collect sunlight – uninterrupted for approximately 99% of the time – using mirror-like reflectors. This collected energy would then be beamed to secure locations on Earth and converted into electricity for distribution via existing power grids.
The Promise and Challenges of SBSP
A recent study commissioned by the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) suggests that small-scale SBSP could become economically competitive with other commercial power sources as early as 2040, particularly when integrated with existing infrastructure like offshore wind farms. However, realizing this potential is not without significant hurdles.
The world’s progress in moving away from fossil fuels has been slow, despite the increasing prominence of renewables. At last year’s COP30 climate summit in Belém, a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, supported by over 90 nations, was ultimately removed from the final agreement. Despite this setback, wind and solar power collectively generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU in 2025, accounting for 29 percent of the bloc’s electricity mix – a decline from fossil fuels’ previous 36.7 percent.
Intermittency and Grid Limitations
Renewable energy sources face challenges related to intermittency, stemming from weather conditions and limitations within Europe’s existing power grid. Britain, for example, reportedly wasted £1.47 billion (approximately €1.67bn) in 2026 by curtailing wind turbine output and paying gas plants to operate.
Cost and Security Concerns
While ground-based solar is currently considered the world’s cheapest power source, with production costs as low as €0.023 per unit in sunnier regions, deploying SBSP will be considerably more expensive. Initial estimates suggest that developing a gigawatt-scale prototype in orbit will require €15.8 billion in research and development across four phases. However, decreasing launch costs, driven by companies like SpaceX and reusable rockets, are making SBSP more economically feasible.
Beyond cost, SBSP systems present security risks. These systems could become targets for hostile actors seeking to disrupt power supplies. A 2023 investigation revealed a Russian program to potentially sabotage wind farms and communication cables in the North Sea, highlighting the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure. Frazer-Nash, a consultancy, emphasizes the need for robust security measures, including multinational partnerships and continuous threat monitoring.
What Might Happen Next?
If launch costs continue to fall and advancements are made in radiation-resistant solar cell technology, SBSP could become a viable energy source. Startups like Space Solar in the UK and Virtus Solis in the US are already actively developing SBSP systems with government and private funding. However, maintaining these systems and mitigating the risk of orbital debris will be ongoing challenges. NASA has also cautioned that SBSP may produce greenhouse gas emissions comparable to existing renewable systems, though still less than fossil fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of space-based solar power development?
Startups such as Space Solar in the UK and Virtus Solis in the US are developing SBSP systems, supported by government and private funding.
What are the primary challenges to implementing SBSP?
The primary challenges include high initial costs (estimated at €15.8 billion for a gigawatt-scale prototype), the potential for increased orbital debris, and security risks related to potential sabotage.
How does the amount of sunlight in space compare to that on Earth?
Space receives 1,367 W/m2 of uninterrupted sunlight, compared to a maximum of 1,000 W/m2 at the equator and an average of about 100 W/m2 in the UK.
As the world seeks to transition to sustainable energy sources, will the promise of limitless power from space outweigh the considerable technical and security challenges involved?