A new government study reveals the feasibility of utilizing space-based solar power (SBSP) to supply clean electricity to the UK national grid. The plan involves installing satellite receivers within existing offshore wind farms to receive microwave beams from orbiting satellites. This ambitious initiative aims to contribute to the country's net-zero emissions goals, with potential cost-competitiveness by 2040.
The United Kingdom is making significant strides in exploring space-based solar power ( SBSP ) as a key component of its future energy strategy. A recent government study has revealed promising prospects for deploying solar farms in space, which could supply clean electricity directly to the national grid and play a crucial role in achieving the country's net-zero emissions targets.
The study, conducted by Frazer-Nash Consultancy, a reputable systems engineering and technology firm, was published in February 2026 and offers a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility of implementing small-scale SBSP demonstration projects. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), involves the strategic placement of satellite receivers, or rectennas, within existing offshore wind farms. This innovative approach allows for the efficient utilization of existing grid connections, thereby minimizing infrastructure costs and streamlining the integration of space-generated solar power into the national grid infrastructure. The rectennas are designed to receive microwave beams transmitted from satellites in geostationary orbit, effectively converting the energy into grid-ready electricity, offering a potentially revolutionary approach to energy generation. \Space-based solar power, the core concept behind this initiative, involves harvesting solar energy in space using satellites and subsequently transmitting the collected energy to Earth. This method boasts several significant advantages over terrestrial solar power, including the capacity to capture more energy due to the absence of atmospheric losses, near-constant sunlight availability, and optimal solar panel orientation. Space provides an ideal environment for maximizing solar energy harvesting. Furthermore, an orbital power plant is projected to generate up to thirteen times more energy compared to an identical installation on Earth, highlighting the immense potential of SBSP. The technology holds the potential to mitigate intermittency issues, a challenge that even the UK's expanding wind and solar industries face. The study suggests that a single space-based solar platform could generate up to two gigawatts (GW) of electricity, which is roughly equivalent to a large nuclear reactor, and can provide reliable, around-the-clock power, irrespective of weather conditions. The rectennas, stationed on Earth, would convert the incoming microwaves back into electricity, feeding it directly into the high-voltage infrastructure. This is particularly advantageous, as offshore wind farms already have the necessary substations and export cables, making them suitable landing sites for these orbital power links, thus streamlining the integration process and capitalizing on existing infrastructure. \The report acknowledges that while upfront costs for SBSP remain substantial, targeted investments and appropriate policy support could make small-scale space-based solar power cost-competitive with other energy sources by 2040. However, the study also highlights the need for prior risk mitigation to encourage investors, since the initial investment required for a large-scale system could deter them from participating. The report points out that large-scale rectennas could lead to environmental and visual impacts, necessitating comprehensive assessment before their deployment. The study emphasizes that small-scale SBSP has the potential to support the path towards net-zero emissions by reducing the risks associated with the implementation of a large-scale system and lowering investment barriers. Launch costs remain a significant factor, as tens of thousands of lightweight solar panels would be required for a full-size system. Despite this challenge, the cost of space launches has significantly decreased over the past decade, mainly due to reusable rockets and increased commercial competition. The DESNZ concludes that, with early investment, SBSP could reach grid-competitive prices, falling between 87 GBP (118 USD)/MWh and 129 GBP (175 USD)/MWh by 2040. The report recommends that both public and private sector backing will be essential to assist the industry in addressing and overcoming technical challenges and further developing the case for small-scale SBSP, thus paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the UK
Space-Based Solar Power SBSP Renewable Energy Net-Zero Energy Policy UK Solar Power
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texas Eats: The NEW La Panaderia, date nights to brunch bites at Fife & Farro, Ravello and Best Quality DaughterJoin David Elder as he explores popular restaurants in San Antonio and San Marcos.
Read more »
Skarsgård's 'Dom-Com' Explores Submissive Dynamics and Unexpected VulnerabilityIn Harry Lighton's new A24 film, Alexander Skarsgård stars as a biker gang leader who reveals hidden depths through his interactions with the film's shy 'bottom'. The film explores power dynamics, unconventional romance, and the surprising power of a pair of glasses.
Read more »
To deal with natural gas shortage, Chugach Electric explores 4 hydropower projectsThe sites are located on the Kenai Peninsula and in the Matanuska Valley.
Read more »
Carlsbad-based company says it's ready to begin mass production of solar-powered carsFirst, a company based in Carlsbad is looking to mass produce solar-powered cars. Then, teachers in San Diego’s largest school district called off a strike. Also, an Imperial Beach city councilmember is raising privacy concerns as the city looks to crack down on e-bikes.
Read more »
'Fully unlocking the orbital economy': California company will fly astronauts to the space station in 2027Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, 'Out There,' was published on Nov. 13, 2018.
Read more »
Double delivery: SpaceX sends Starlink satellites into orbit on launches from California and FloridaRobert Pearlman is a space historian, journalist and the founder and editor of collectSPACE.com, a daily news publication and community devoted to space history with a particular focus on how and where space exploration intersects with pop culture. Pearlman is also a contributing writer for Space.
Read more »