Published: June 29th, 2022,
Last updated: June 29th, 2022
Solar power from space – what at first glance sounds like the plan of a James Bond villain is being seriously researched by Chinese scientists. First, a test satellite is to be sent into space to send solar energy via microwaves or lasers to a ground station. By 2050, the capacity is to be gradually increased to two gigawatts – the output of two nuclear reactors. This is far too little for the energy transition and would also come much too late. Our team in Beijing looked at the pros and cons of the technology. It could well be that it will be used more for military purposes: to supply energy to remote military bases.