Space-Based Solar Power Could Supply 80% of Europe’s Renewable Energy by 2050, Study Finds

August 21, 2025 – A groundbreaking study has revealed that solar panels in space could potentially cover up to 80% of Europe’s renewable energy demand by 2050. The findings highlight how space-based solar power (SBSP) could provide a stable and weather-independent alternative to land-based renewable sources, transforming the continent’s energy future.

How Space Solar Power Works

The research, conducted by King’s College London, examined the concept of deploying massive solar panel systems in Earth’s orbit. These panels, designed on a heliostat model similar to NASA’s prototypes, use mirror-like reflectors to capture continuous sunlight in space. The collected energy would then be transmitted back to Earth via wireless beaming technology, where it would be converted into electricity and fed directly into national power grids.

Unlike terrestrial renewables such as wind and solar farms, SBSP is not limited by weather conditions, daylight hours, or seasonal variations. Positioned above the atmosphere, these panels can harness uninterrupted solar radiation 24/7, providing a gigawatt-scale power supply that could secure Europe’s energy future.

Findings from the Power Grid Model

The researchers created a detailed computer simulation of Europe’s electricity network spanning 33 countries. This model analyzed future energy demand, storage, and generation capacity to determine the lowest-cost pathway for meeting Europe’s electricity needs.

When the SBSP system was integrated into the model, results showed that it could reduce the overall cost of the European power grid by as much as 15% while cutting the reliance on battery storage by more than two-thirds. More importantly, it indicated that space-based solar could substitute up to 80% of Europe’s current land-based renewable energy requirements.

Challenges Facing Traditional Renewables

Wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, and ground-based solar farms remain vital to the renewable mix. However, these systems suffer from intermittency and geographic limitations. Wind power is seasonal, solar output drops during cloudy days, and hydroelectric energy is heavily dependent on rainfall levels. Such irregularity often forces countries to rely on backup systems powered by natural gas or coal, which undermines net-zero goals.

SBSP, by contrast, can provide a continuous and centralized power supply, helping stabilize Europe’s grids and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Barriers and Potential Risks

Despite its promise, the researchers cautioned that SBSP technology faces significant challenges. The cost of building, launching, and maintaining solar satellites in space remains prohibitively high. Until technological innovation drives costs down, SBSP may not become commercially viable before 2050.

There are also concerns about orbital congestion and space debris. With thousands of satellites already orbiting Earth, adding massive solar collectors could increase the risk of collisions. Dr. Wei He, senior lecturer at King’s College London and lead author of the study, noted: “There are some risks to consider, such as how the satellite in space could have too many solar panels. Could it cause collisions or be damaged by debris in space?”

Global Momentum in Space Solar Development

While Europe is still at the feasibility stage, other countries are already pushing ahead. Japan is actively developing SBSP technologies and incorporating them into its long-term energy and net-zero strategy. China has also announced ambitious plans to test large-scale SBSP by the early 2030s, underscoring the growing international race to harness space-based energy.

Europe’s Opportunity for Cooperation

The study suggests that Europe is well-positioned to adopt SBSP thanks to its history of multinational cooperation in energy sharing and satellite technology. Initiatives under the European Space Agency (ESA) could pave the way for a centralised SBSP infrastructure, pooling resources and expertise from multiple nations.

If successful, Europe could establish a continent-scale solution that reduces reliance on natural gas and fossil fuels while securing a stable renewable energy base. This would not only help the EU achieve its 2050 climate neutrality target but also strengthen its energy independence.

Balancing Risks and Opportunities

Although there are hurdles to overcome, the researchers argue that the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. SBSP could serve as a game-changing technology capable of reshaping the global energy landscape. By providing uninterrupted, large-scale clean power, it could accelerate Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels and reduce its vulnerability to energy supply shocks.

Conclusion: A Vision for 2050

As the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change, innovative solutions like space-based solar power are gaining serious attention. The study concludes that, if developed and deployed effectively, SBSP could play a decisive role in helping Europe achieve its renewable energy targets by mid-century.

“Now is the time,” said Dr. Wei. “Renewable energy to replace fossil fuels is the most important action we are taking as humans. Space-based solar power is a potential technology and can provide continuous solar power as a renewable energy source.”