Looking to Space in the Race to Decarbonize

Space-Based Solar Power: A Promising Solution for Sustainable Development

Introduction

Space-based solar power, once a topic for science fiction, is gaining interest.

The Potential of Space-Based Solar Power

Ali Hajimiri, a professor of electrical engineering at Caltech, envisions a future where solar panels floating in space transmit massive amounts of energy wirelessly to receivers on Earth. In a recent breakthrough, Mr. Hajimiri and his team successfully demonstrated wireless power transfer in space, converting electricity into microwaves and beaming them to receivers. This achievement marks a significant step towards realizing space-based solar power, which has the potential to contribute up to 10 percent of global power by 2050.

Overcoming Challenges

While the concept of space-based solar energy has been around for decades, the high cost of space launches has hindered its development. However, with the advent of companies like SpaceX, the cost of rocket launches has significantly decreased, making space-based solar power more economically feasible. Despite this progress, there are still engineering hurdles to overcome, such as increasing the efficiency of power beaming over long distances and developing autonomous assembly techniques for large-scale structures in space.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

Ensuring the safety of wirelessly beaming power to Earth is a crucial aspect of space-based solar power. Researchers must carefully manage power densities to prevent harm to human health and the environment. Additionally, regulatory challenges related to licensing and frequency allocation need to be addressed to enable the operation of solar-power satellites. Public acceptance of the technology will also require comprehensive studies on the potential effects of space-based beaming on human health, the environment, and the atmosphere.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges, researchers and start-ups are actively pursuing space-based solar power. Government agencies and organizations like NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the European Space Agency are investing in research and development in this field. However, it remains uncertain whether space-based solar power will be necessary or if alternative energy sources will suffice. Proper funding and increased investment in space-based solar power research are crucial to determine its viability as a sustainable energy solution.

Conclusion

Space-based solar power holds great potential as a clean and renewable energy source. With advancements in technology and reduced launch costs, it is becoming increasingly feasible to harness solar energy from space. However, further research, development, and investment are needed to overcome technical, safety, and regulatory challenges. By prioritizing space-based solar power and aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we can work towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources.
• Indicator for SDG 9.4: Proportion of industries upgraded to sustainable practices.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries with integrated climate change measures in national policies.

Based on the article, space-based solar power addresses the need for affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), as it aims to harness renewable energy from space. It also relates to industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9) by requiring advancements in technology and infrastructure to make space-based solar power feasible. Additionally, it contributes to climate action (SDG 13) by providing a clean energy alternative and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The specific targets that can be identified based on the article’s content are increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2), upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable (SDG 9.4), and integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2).

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards these targets include the proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources (SDG 7.2 indicator), the proportion of industries upgraded to sustainable practices (SDG 9.4 indicator), and the number of countries with integrated climate change measures in national policies (SDG 13.2 indicator).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: nytimes.com

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