Space represents the ultimate frontier for energy

ESA (European Space Agency) is developing satellite technology that enables the conversion of solar energy in space and its transmission back to Earth.

Renewable energy is crucial for reducing global emissions, and space may be the answer to these needs. Harnessing low-carbon energy sources will help cut industrial emissions and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. During discussions at COP28 at the end of 2023, the world committed to tripling renewable energy production capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030. To achieve these goals, the world may turn to space in search of renewable energy resources.

New wind technologies

To the highest altitudes

Dutch start-up Kitepower uses kites to generate electricity. This innovative wind energy system, known as AWE (airborne wind energy), replaces wind turbines with kites – a cheaper and lighter solution that is believed to provide more stable energy supplies than turbines. Kites can fly higher than turbines, reaching stronger and more stable winds that blow at greater altitudes.

The Kitepower kite is a fibreglass frame that moves in pumping cycles. It flies in a figure-eight pattern to make optimal use of side winds. At the moment it is reeled back in, it generates energy on the ground. The kite is attached to a container-sized battery to store excess energy for later. Energy storage also means that Kitepower can deliver clean energy sources to isolated areas.

Kitepower is working with energy company RWE on tests over Ireland, and has also taken part in exercises in the Caribbean. Similarly, German company SkySails Power sent an AWE parachute system to Mauritius in December 2022. Power from SkySails was fed into the IBL Energy grid.

Currently, flying wind turbines generate 400 megawatt-hours per year, enough to power up to 400 homes in Mauritius.

Energy from space

Solar circuits for space energy

The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing satellite technology that converts solar energy in space and transmits it back to Earth. The SOLARIS project aims to transmit clean energy from orbit, supporting the energy grid on Earth. Space-based solar energy would work in a similar way to telecommunications.

In space, solar energy is continuous and cloud-free, providing a constant source of power. ESA estimates that solar radiation is ten times stronger at the top of the atmosphere than at the Earth's surface.

Just as airborne wind energy can take advantage of high and stable winds, space-based solar energy can draw on stronger and continuous solar radiation that can be transmitted wirelessly to dedicated receiving stations on Earth and converted into power for local grids.

ESA develops satellite technology for solar energy from space

Energy company Enel is one of ESA's partners in placing solar panels in space. Enel also worked with ESA and SpaceX in 2022 to improve connectivity at construction sites and power plants in remote areas.

The Moon as an energy source

Solar energy from space

Studies also theorise about using the Moon for renewable energy projects. The Moon could serve various functions in efforts to develop space-based renewable energy. In addition to work on solar energy from space, Enel has collaborated on research into the possibility of building a Lunar Power Station. The Luna power plant would store and distribute energy for future Moon colonists.

The Moon could also be used to maximise solar energy. It can reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of energy that can be captured during the space-based solar energy process.

A Japanese construction company has proposed a belt of solar panels that would encircle the Moon and capture sunlight reflections. The energy would then be transmitted back to Earth in a process similar to the SOLARIS project.

Finally, Swiss researchers have worked on a campaign for clean space energy. It includes the Greater Earth Lunar Power Station project, which envisages building a solar satellite mainly from lunar resources.

The Lunar Power Station would consist of lunar solar cells that would transfer energy to receivers on the lunar surface to support future activities on the Moon.

Although lunar energy for potential colonisation is still a fairly distant sci-fi dream, harvesting wind and solar energy from higher levels of the atmosphere is already happening. Higher levels offer constant and uninterrupted energy sources that can power energy grids, support isolated areas and help the world increase renewable energy production.

Company information

ESA (European Space Agency) is developing innovative satellite technologies that enable the conversion of solar energy in space and its transmission back to Earth. Its SOLARIS initiative aims to support the energy grid on Earth with continuous, cloud-free solar energy delivered from orbit.

ESA's partner in placing solar panels in space is Enel. Both companies are also working with SpaceX to improve connectivity in remote areas.

ESA and its partners are also studying the potential of using the Moon for renewable energy production, including concepts for building a Lunar Power Station or a power station based on lunar resources.

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