Solar energy from space beamed to Earth

China plans to build a one-megawatt solar power station in space by 2030 and beam energy down to Earth. An experimental space power plant is currently under construction in Chongqing.

The station would weigh 1,000 tons and orbit 22,000 miles above the Earth. It would convert solar energy to electricity and then beam it to Earth using microwave or laser technology.

The biggest advantage of building a solar power station in space is that it would be capable of harvesting solar energy non-stop, without regard for seasonal changes, time of the day, or atmospheric conditions.

If successful, this development would be a game-changer for the energy industry, making energy storage a lot less of an issue, too.

And once we figure out how to beam clean energy to individual appliances, it will make batteries obsolete, thus turning all environmental problems currently associated with their production and disposal into a non-issue.

Are solar energy generation in space and power beaming the answer to our energy problems? What kinds of impact do you see? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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