Space-Based Solar Power Could Cut Battery Needs by 42% and Emissions by 75%

Solar power and batteries have made significant strides in recent years, but decarbonizing the electrical grid is becoming increasingly challenging as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become a larger share of overall production.

The problem is that these variable resources produce electricity only when the sun shines or the winds blow, leaving a gap between supply and demand. To address this issue, researchers have been exploring space-based solar power as a potential solution.

Instead of relying on terrestrial solar farms, which are susceptible to local weather conditions, space-based solar power systems collect sunlight using large orbital arrays and convert it into microwave or laser energy that can be transmitted wirelessly to Earth. This continuous power supply could reduce the need for battery storage by 42%, according to a new study.

The study used a system dynamics model to simulate the impact of space-based solar power on the grid over a 40-year period, from 2020 to 2060. The results showed that early deployment of commercial space solar in 2035 could reduce battery energy storage needs by 42% and lower power-sector emissions by 75%.

The economics of space-based solar power depend not on its cost per unit, but on the avoided infrastructure costs associated with traditional renewable energy sources. These costs include excess generating capacity, backup generation, curtailment, and transmission upgrades, which can make up a significant portion of the overall system costs.