Solar electricity from space could be a solution to the world's energy problems.However, much like nuclear fusion, there is still a lot of uncertainty about development costs and timelines.Still, scientists from China's Xidian University completed testing and inspection on a ground array intended to collect space-based solar power, bringing the world one step closer to witnessing operational space-based solar power.

According to a press release from the university, they successfully tested the "world's first full-link and full-system solar power plant" on June 5.

A 246-foot-tall (75-meter) steel tower on Xidian University's southern campus houses the space-based solar power plant.

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The Xidian University power plant will theoretically connect to orbital satellites that will capture solar electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week due to their geostationary orbits, before beaming that energy down to Earth through high-frequency microwave beams. The power plant will include five subsystems dedicated to the development of space-based solar power arrays.

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Solar power from space has a lot of potential because it can collect energy continually without having to deal with issues like bad weather or waiting for the sun to rise. However, there are still obstacles to overcome, such as determining the impact of a high-frequency energy beam on communications, aviation traffic, and the health of local populations.

The new ground station at Xidian University is part of a concept for space-based solar power called OMEGA, which stands for Orb-Shape Membrane Energy Gathering Array. Duan Baoyan of the Xidian University School of Electromechanical Engineering and his colleagues first presented the proposal in 2014. 
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Solar electricity from space could be a solution to the world's energy problems.However, much like nuclear fusion, there is still a lot of uncertainty about development costs and timelines.

Solar electricity from space could be a solution to the world's energy problems.However, much like nuclear fusion, there is still a lot of uncertainty about development costs and timelines.Still, scientists from China's Xidian University completed testing and inspection on a ground array intended to collect space-based solar power, bringing the world one step closer to witnessing operational space-based solar power. According to a press release from the university, they successfully tested the "world's first full-link and full-system solar power plant" on June 5. A 246-foot-tall (75-meter) steel tower on Xidian University's southern campus houses the space-based solar power plant. ALSO READ | Time to study universe's rarest galaxies? Hubble Space Telescope captures its largest image ever The Xidian University power plant will theoretically connect to orbital satellites that will capture solar electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week due to their geostationary orbits, before beaming that energy down to Earth through high-frequency microwave beams. The power plant will include five subsystems dedicated to the development of space-based solar power arrays. ALSO READ | Astronomers discover amino acids in asteroid samples during Hayabusa2 probe Solar power from space has a lot of potential because it can collect energy continually without having to deal with issues like bad weather or waiting for the sun to rise. However, there are still obstacles to overcome, such as determining the impact of a high-frequency energy beam on communications, aviation traffic, and the health of local populations. The new ground station at Xidian University is part of a concept for space-based solar power called OMEGA, which stands for Orb-Shape Membrane Energy Gathering Array. Duan Baoyan of the Xidian University School of Electromechanical Engineering and his colleagues first presented the proposal in 2014. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A solar power station in space to beam electricity to Earth? Yes, it's possible

The United Kingdom wants to generate solar energy in space and as per a report by space.com, they think they can do it by 2035.

UK Space Energy Initiative, which was launched last year in an effort to explore options for developing a space-based solar power plant, has gathered over 50 British technology organisations, including heavyweights such as aerospace manufacturer Airbus, Cambridge University, and satellite maker SSTL.

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The programme claims that using the sun to beam power from space might help the UK accomplish its target of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at a lower cost than many existing technologies.

As per the initiative's chairman Martin Soltau, the technology required to develop the plant exists already, but the challenge is the size and scope of the project.

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Soltau explained that the programme has devised a 12-year development plan in which a prototype power plant erected by robots in orbit may beam gigawatts of power from space to Earth as early as 2035.

CASSIOPeiA (for Constant Aperture, Solid-State, Integrated, Orbital Phased Array) a modular design devised by the British engineering firm International Electric Company is to be used in this initiative.

The orbiting power plant's modular design allows it to be extended after the demonstration phase. Even the demonstrator, according to Soltau, would be massive, measuring several miles across, and would require 300 launches of a rocket the size of SpaceX Starship to reach orbit.

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It would be 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometres) above our planet, with a perpetual view of the sun and Earth.

The principal function as per Soltau would be similar to that of an earth-bound solar plant, the only difference being that CASSIOPeiA would produce a much higher amount of electricity than a similarly sized terrestrial plant.

Additionally, the plant would not be plagued by problems like an overcast sky that affect most terrestrial plants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom wants to generate solar energy in space and as per a report by space.com, they think they can do it by 2035. UK Space Energy Initiative, which was launched last year in an effort to explore options for developing a space-based solar power plant, has gathered over 50 British technology organisations, including heavyweights such as aerospace manufacturer Airbus, Cambridge University, and satellite maker SSTL.

The United Kingdom wants to generate solar energy in space and as per a report by space.com, they think they can do it by 2035. UK Space Energy Initiative, which was launched last year in an effort to explore options for developing a space-based solar power plant, has gathered over 50 British technology organisations, including heavyweights such as aerospace manufacturer Airbus, Cambridge University, and satellite maker SSTL. Watch | Universe: After 13.8 billion years, it's time to slow down The programme claims that using the sun to beam power from space might help the UK accomplish its target of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at a lower cost than many existing technologies. As per the initiative's chairman Martin Soltau, the technology required to develop the plant exists already, but the challenge is the size and scope of the project. Also read | A super-long blood moon is gonna grace the skies soon. Here's how you can see it Soltau explained that the programme has devised a 12-year development plan in which a prototype power plant erected by robots in orbit may beam gigawatts of power from space to Earth as early as 2035. CASSIOPeiA (for Constant Aperture, Solid-State, Integrated, Orbital Phased Array) a modular design devised by the British engineering firm International Electric Company is to be used in this initiative. The orbiting power plant's modular design allows it to be extended after the demonstration phase. Even the demonstrator, according to Soltau, would be massive, measuring several miles across, and would require 300 launches of a rocket the size of SpaceX Starship to reach orbit. Also read | There's a blackhole 4 million times the size of sun at the centre of Milky Way. Check it out! It would be 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometres) above our planet, with a perpetual view of the sun and Earth. The principal function as per Soltau would be similar to that of an earth-bound solar plant, the only difference being that CASSIOPeiA would produce a much higher amount of electricity than a similarly sized terrestrial plant. Additionally, the plant would not be plagued by problems like an overcast sky that affect most terrestrial plants. (With inputs from agencies)

Science fiction or reality? UK to build a solar power plant in space. Here's how

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated the method of identifying the best suited locations for installing upcoming solar power generation farms, across the globe. India's state-run space agency has done so using data obtained from it's own earth observation satellites that are continuously monitoring the planet, from Geostationary orbit (36,000 kms above the earth's equator). WION spoke to Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO for more on this project.

Earlier this week, addressing his counterparts at the COP26 Global Climate Summit at Glasgow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that ISRO would offer the world a 'Solar Power Calculator'. He said that it would help&nbsp;decide the location of solar energy projects across the globe. He added that it would strengthen the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative.

When requested to elaborate on the project, Dr. K. Sivan said, it was a technology demonstration proposal that was made using data from Earth Observation satellites. "It is about using satellite data and identifying potential areas where maximum solar energy is available per year, across the globe. We will be collecting this data, analysing, mapping it and sharing it online and via a mobile application. Mapping this data and sharing it would help countries decide their upcoming solar power projects" he told WION.

Talking about if ISRO was also developing some hardware for this purpose, he replied that ISRO was only using data, mapping and analysing it and not working on any hardware aspect, for this project.

According to ISRO's description of the solar calculator mobile application, computation of solar energy potential is essential to select the locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. "An android app for the computation of solar energy potential has been developed by Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad at the behest of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India. It is a very useful tool for installation of PV solar panels for tapping solar energy," it reads.

ISRO's website says&nbsp;the mobile app allows users to obtain the 'solar energy potential' data in (kWh/m2), when the location is keyed or is designated according to GPS. It gives monthly and yearly solar potential processed using Indian Geostationary Satellite data (Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR). It also offers monthly minimum and maximum temperature to calculate realistic solar potential.&nbsp;

Additionally, the app also offers monthly and yearly solar potential (in kWh/m2) and minimum-maximum temperature at any location. It also displays the location on the satellite image and provides azimuth / elevation angles as well as day length over different time periods in a year. ISRO adds, Wind, solar and wave energy resources can be assessed with the help of Earth Observation data, sourced from satellites that are in the geostationary orbit (roughly 36,000kms) above earth's equator.&nbsp;

Asked about when this particular 'Solar calculator' would be made fully available across the globe, Dr. Sivan said that the technology behind it had been demonstrated and that further work was required. Regarding the much anticipated rocket launch schedule of ISRO in November and December 2021and the possible launch of India's Small Satellite launch Vehicle (SSLV rocket), he said, it was being worked out.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated the method of identifying the best suited locations for installing upcoming solar power generation farms, across the globe.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated the method of identifying the best suited locations for installing upcoming solar power generation farms, across the globe. India's state-run space agency has done so using data obtained from it's own earth observation satellites that are continuously monitoring the planet, from Geostationary orbit (36,000 kms above the earth's equator). WION spoke to Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO for more on this project. Earlier this week, addressing his counterparts at the COP26 Global Climate Summit at Glasgow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that ISRO would offer the world a 'Solar Power Calculator'. He said that it would help decide the location of solar energy projects across the globe. He added that it would strengthen the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative. When requested to elaborate on the project, Dr. K. Sivan said, it was a technology demonstration proposal that was made using data from Earth Observation satellites. "It is about using satellite data and identifying potential areas where maximum solar energy is available per year, across the globe. We will be collecting this data, analysing, mapping it and sharing it online and via a mobile application. Mapping this data and sharing it would help countries decide their upcoming solar power projects" he told WION. Talking about if ISRO was also developing some hardware for this purpose, he replied that ISRO was only using data, mapping and analysing it and not working on any hardware aspect, for this project. According to ISRO's description of the solar calculator mobile application, computation of solar energy potential is essential to select the locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. "An android app for the computation of solar energy potential has been developed by Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad at the behest of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India. It is a very useful tool for installation of PV solar panels for tapping solar energy," it reads. ISRO's website says the mobile app allows users to obtain the 'solar energy potential' data in (kWh/m2), when the location is keyed or is designated according to GPS. It gives monthly and yearly solar potential processed using Indian Geostationary Satellite data (Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR). It also offers monthly minimum and maximum temperature to calculate realistic solar potential. Additionally, the app also offers monthly and yearly solar potential (in kWh/m2) and minimum-maximum temperature at any location. It also displays the location on the satellite image and provides azimuth / elevation angles as well as day length over different time periods in a year. ISRO adds, Wind, solar and wave energy resources can be assessed with the help of Earth Observation data, sourced from satellites that are in the geostationary orbit (roughly 36,000kms) above earth's equator. Asked about when this particular 'Solar calculator' would be made fully available across the globe, Dr. Sivan said that the technology behind it had been demonstrated and that further work was required. Regarding the much anticipated rocket launch schedule of ISRO in November and December 2021and the possible launch of India's Small Satellite launch Vehicle (SSLV rocket), he said, it was being worked out.

Exclusive: What is ISRO's 'Solar Power Calculator' that is to be offered to the world?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a 750-MW solar project at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh through video-conferencing from New Delhi. It's said to be Asia's biggest solar power project.

Union Power Minister RK Singh and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

The Rs 4,000-crore project has three units of 250 MW each at a solar park spread over 1,500 hectares developed by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), a joint venture company of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a central PSU.

PM Modi also addressed the nation through video-conferencing, and said that the solar power project would give a new identity to Rewa. He said the solar power produced by the project will be "pure, sure and secure".

The project is a step towards India's commitment to set up 175GW solar power capacity by 2022. Twenty-four per cent of the solar power produced by the project will be used in the Delhi Metro and the remaining 76 per cent by discoms of Madhya Pradesh.

The Centre gave Rs 138 crore to RUMSL for the project for which Mahindra Renewables, ACME Solar Holdings, and Solengeri Power were shortlisted through reverse bidding for the three units at tariffs of Rs 2.979, Rs 2.970 and Rs 2.974 for the first year.

(with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a 750-MW solar project at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh through video-conferencing from New Delhi. It's said to be Asia's biggest solar power project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a 750-MW solar project at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh through video-conferencing from New Delhi. It's said to be Asia's biggest solar power project. Union Power Minister RK Singh and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. The Rs 4,000-crore project has three units of 250 MW each at a solar park spread over 1,500 hectares developed by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), a joint venture company of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a central PSU. PM Modi also addressed the nation through video-conferencing, and said that the solar power project would give a new identity to Rewa. He said the solar power produced by the project will be "pure, sure and secure". The project is a step towards India's commitment to set up 175GW solar power capacity by 2022. Twenty-four per cent of the solar power produced by the project will be used in the Delhi Metro and the remaining 76 per cent by discoms of Madhya Pradesh. The Centre gave Rs 138 crore to RUMSL for the project for which Mahindra Renewables, ACME Solar Holdings, and Solengeri Power were shortlisted through reverse bidding for the three units at tariffs of Rs 2.979, Rs 2.970 and Rs 2.974 for the first year. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates 750-MW solar power project in Madhya Pradesh