Iceland looking to add space solar power to its sources of renewable energy by 2030

The first commercial enterprise harnessing the energy of sunlight in space and beaming it to the ground may soon become a reality in Iceland. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to transition towards clean energy production, despite having an unlimited clean energy source right beneath their feet.

British aerospace company Space Solar, in collaboration with the private climate sustainability company Transition Labs based in Iceland, has reached an agreement with Reykjavik Energy to construct the world’s first operational space solar power plant. This groundbreaking project aims to leverage the constant availability of sunlight in space, where satellites can be exposed to the sun 24/7, providing a reliable source of energy regardless of earthly conditions.

The concept of space-based solar power has been around since the Space Age, with numerous companies vying to bring it to fruition. The appeal lies in the potential for abundant clean energy from the sun, transmitted to Earth via microwave beams. However, the main obstacle has always been the cost, as the satellites required for this technology are massive. For instance, Space Solar’s proposed satellite would weigh 2,000 tonnes and stretch 1.7 kilometres wide.

Space Solar believes that the key to reducing costs lies in the reusable SpaceX Starship, a powerful rocket capable of lifting heavy payloads to low-Earth orbit. By leveraging this technology, the company hopes to build the necessary infrastructure more efficiently. However, concerns about space debris and environmental impact remain, as outlined in a 2024 NASA report on space-based solar power systems.

Despite Iceland’s abundance of clean energy sources, including geothermal and hydroelectric power, the decision to explore space-based solar power stems from the country’s track record of embracing innovative clean energy technologies. With the rising demand for energy in sectors such as data centers and artificial intelligence, Iceland sees the potential in harnessing solar power from space to meet future needs.

While the idea of space-based solar power may seem complex, Iceland’s pioneering spirit in clean energy innovation positions the country as a key player in this emerging field. By combining their expertise in geothermal energy with space-based solutions, Iceland is poised to lead the way towards a sustainable energy future.