While space based solar power has long been relegated to science fiction, a British company called Space Solar is poised to make it a reality. Their ambitious project aims to provide Iceland with the world’s first taste of this revolutionary technology.
Space Solar’s plan involves a network of satellites named CASSIOPeiA, orbiting in a geostationary position to capture sunlight continuously.
These satellites will use a combination of solar panels and mirrors to collect solar energy, then convert it into radio waves and beam them down to Earth for conversion back into electricity via ground based antennas.
A revolutionary technology called Harrier is paving the way for a new era in energy production. Unlike traditional solar panels that face limitations due to Earth’s rotation and weather patterns, Harrier enables the CASSIOPeiA satellites to constantly beam solar power in all directions.
This innovation, dubbed by Solar as “the world’s first 360° wireless power transmission system,” promises gigawatt-scale clean energy generation. With plans to launch the first satellites and receiving stations by 2030, Solar is taking concrete steps to realize this vision.
Initial capacity is expected to be 30 MW, with a large scale system anticipated by 2036. Iceland’s Reykjavik Energy will be the first to harness this space generated electricity. This marks a significant step towards a future powered by the sun, free from the constraints of night and unpredictable weather.
