Kwasi Kwarteng, the minister in charge of The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has reportedly asked civil servants to start researching the feasibility of space-based solar farms in orbit around the Earth. It may sound far fetched and a little too futuristic but the government is pursuing every avenue in its bid to meet net-zero targets.
Generating solar power out in space is, apparently, no longer completely beyond the bounds of possibility. And part of Mr Kwarteng’s net-zero strategy is, he said, to develop “key technologies associated with space-based solar power”.
Scientists involved in developing the technology and other advocates believe that solar space farms orbiting the Earth could wirelessly beam the energy produced into the grid. Last year a government-commissioned report explored the concept and concluded a giant solar plant built in space could potentially provide as much energy as a nuclear power plant and meet up to 25% of the UK’s needs.
Initial research sees an orbital solar farm as most likely being launched as thousand of components assembled in space by robots. The structure is seen as being around 1700 metres tall and using high-frequency radio waves to beam electricity generated back to a giant net on the Earth’s surface from where it would be transferred into the grid.
While recently submitting evidence to the science and technology committee supporting the possibility of space-generated solar power, Mr Kwarteng said:
“Following the publication of this study, my department is developing a small-scale ‘no-regrets’ innovation programme to support the development of key technologies associated with SBSP, and that also have broader terrestrial applications, and therefore, will contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambition whether a space-based solar power system is deployed or not.”
Organisations have been invited to submit proposals on work that could contribute to the innovative programme Mr Kwarteng has stated he believes
“presents an exciting opportunity for the UK to lead in a new market, enhance our energy security, and contribute to UK net zero”.
An orbiting solar plant could deliver electricity into the grid at an estimated cost of £50 per megawatt hour. Onshore and offshore wind farms currently produce electricity at a cost of £44 and £41 per megawatt hour respectively. And in addition to potentially diversifying renewable energy sources, Mr Kwarteng sees other broader advantages to the programme, writing:
“There are broader economic benefits for the UK to pursue the development of space-based solar power, with a favourable GDP multiplier and benefit-cost ratio. In addition, the development could lead to substantial spill-over benefits.”
Other countries have, said Mr Kwarteng, also already expressed interest in participating in the programme, with an international consortium considered as the most viable approach.