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 announced plans to build a giant solar power space station, which will be lifted into orbit piece by piece using the nation's brand-new heavy lift rockets. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.
China plans to build a 1km-wide solar array in the geostationary orbit about 36,000km above Earth. At this distance from atmospheric interferences such as day-night cycles and changing weather, the array will constantly gather solar energy, anticipated to surpass terrestrial photovoltaic systems by more than tenfold in efficiency.
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
Will China's space solar array be more efficient than photovoltaic panels?
China's 1km-wide space solar array is expected to collect energy at a constant rate more than 10-times more efficient than photovoltaic panels on Earth Renewable energy, crucial for the energy transition and attaining net zero status, is broadening its horizons in application.
Will China's space solar array make the transition to net zero?
China's 1km-wide space solar array is expected to collect energy at a constant rate more than 10-times more efficient than photovoltaic panels on Earth Renewable energy sources undeniably play a key role in the energy transition and ensuring the transition to net zero. As its popularity grows, so does the variety of applications.
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.