Chinese scientists have announced a plan to build an enormous, 0. 6 mile (1 kilometer) wide solar power station in space that will beam continuous energy back to Earth via microwaves.
China has reportedly announced an ambitious plan to build large-scale solar power stations in space with the help of super-heavy rockets. The South China Moring Post (SCMP) reported that a senior rocket scientist, Long Lehao, is leading this ambitious endeavor. He likens this project to “another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth.”
When did China start building a space solar power station?
In June 2021, China initiated the construction of its first experimental space solar power station in Bishan. In November 2023, researchers from the Xian University of Electronic Science and Technology published test results for the “Chasing Sun Project,” the world's first complete ground verification system for space solar power.
Where is the world's largest solar power station located?
The Three Gorges Dam, located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, is the world's largest power station. The hydroelectric station became fully operational in 2012 and can generate around 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. China is not the only country interested in building space-based solar power (SBSP) projects.
When is China's first hybrid energy photovoltaic power station fully operational?
China's first hybrid energy photovoltaic power station using both solar and tidal power in Wenling City of east China's Zhejiang Province is fully operational, May 30, 2022. /CFP
Could a new power station capture solar energy from space?
However, the Asian giant is exploring a different approach to energy harvesting – capturing clean, essentially endless solar power where it is most abundant. Chinese researchers are working on a new power station project that could gather and convert solar energy directly from space.
How does China's Solar System work?
China's modern day version will collect energy from the sun in Earth's orbit and transmit it back down to Earth, providing continuous power. Solar captured in space is stronger than that on Earth and is not subject to issues around daylight hours. Credit: Getty