China Is Constructing A Solar Power Plant That Orbits The Earth

China is currently in the making of a solar power plant that moves in orbit around the Earth, harvests the Sun’s energy from space and transfers it wirelessly back to Earth. If this plan turns out successfully, this plant can still be able to operate even if the sky is covered by clouds.

China is working toward the target of a test plant in space before 2025. This ambitious project is a prime example of the country’s commitment to bump its consumption of renewable energy and secure itself a spot on the space leaderboard.

While other parts of the plan are achievable, the most pressing issue for such power plants is how to transfer the power back to Earth.

When the best method has not yet to be found, what the scientists are having in mind now is to turn solar energy into electricity and then use laser or microwave to get the power to Earth. When this hardest part is done, the electricity has no difference from what traditional power plants generate.

Another challenge to find a solution to is the sheer weight of the station, which can be around 1000 tonnes, even heavier than the ISS, which measures 400 tonnes. Such great weight will pose a difficulty on getting the station into orbit if the scientists plan to launch it in the usual way.

A solution they are working on now is using 3D printers and robots to construct the plant right in space. If this plan works, they will have to launch a factory instead of such a large station.

If the launching and wireless energy transferring work according to plans, China will move on to its next scheme, which is to manufacture an even bigger and more capable test in 2050.

The potential of such orbiting plant is not limited to power facilities on Earth though. This plant may even be able to provide energy for space researching missions, which is only possible if it can target spacecraft with precision.