China fast-tracks work to launch 1st solar power plant in space by 2028

China has reportedly advanced its plans for launching a space solar plant programme in 2028, two years prior to that of the original schedule. Earlier, the nation has intended to put a one-megawatt solar energy station in space by 2030.

As per the updated plan, which was published recently, a satellite is expected to be launched in 2028 for testing wireless power transmission technology from space to the ground from an altitude of 400km.

The researchers in the paper said that the satellites would convert solar energy into lasers or microwaves and signal the energy beams to several targets, including moving satellites and fixed locations on Earth.

The power produced will be reaching 10 kilowatts which is enough to fulfill the requirements of several households, said the report.

But Professor Dong Shiwei with the Nationwide Major Laboratory of Science & Technology on Space Microwave underneath the China Conservatory of Space Technology in Xian, said that the technology can be eventually scaled up and become a major contributor in accomplishing carbon peak and neutrality goals.

According to Dong and some colleagues, the plan was earlier drafted in 2014. The research further highlighted that the technological advances and potential military applications are the reason behind the reinstated interest of government in the concept.

Furthermore, China is not the only country planning to launch a solar plant in space. Earlier in March, the UK government also looked into a 16-billion-pound proposal for building a solar power plant in space by 2035 with the support of several European defense contractors, including the Airbus said the report.

Additionally, the sources also cite that the US military also tested similar technology, the X-37 B space plane while thinking about an experiment of $100 million for powering up a remote military outpost as soon as 2025.

Source Credit - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/china-advances-plans-for-space-solar-power-plant/articleshow/92057476.cms