Solar power from space fires up LED sign

SOLAR power beamed from space has become a closer possibility after a British company electrified LEDS wirelessly using just wifi transmissions.

Space Solar, based in Belfast, has demonstrated the world’s first 360 degree wireless power transmission –an important milestone of the technology, which could bring limitless green energy. The company lit up an LED sign of its name by beaming power through the air in a special anechoic chamber at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Within the next decade, Space Solar wants to commission the first commercial power station in space, delivering hundreds of megawatts – enough to power a large town – and within 12 years, be producing enough energy for a city of more than a million homes.

The team plans to launch its first prototype Cassiopeia satellite within three years, which will power a house from space, followed by a larger version by the end of the 2020s, which could fuel a village.

Proving that it can beam power 360 degrees is crucial, because the satellite needs to continuously harvest energy from the Sun, while simultaneously beaming it back down while it orbits the planet.

Martin Soltau, co-chief executive of Space Solar, said: “Space Solar’s successful testing marks a pivotal moment in our mission to revolutionise solar based-solar power.

“With this demonstration of the world’s first 360 degree wireless power transmission, we’re not only advancing our own capabilities but also laying the foundation for a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.”

“Space Based Solar Power will be a commercial reality within a decade – much more quickly than most people imagine, and the UK can be a leader in this technology, helping all nations to transition to a clean energy future with affordable, abundant and reliable energy from space".

Europe, China and the US are also currently looking into space based solar, with Xidian University setting a target of 2028 to have a solar power plant in space.