Why space might solve the biggest problem with solar energy

The United Kingdom is reportedly considering a £16 billion ($21 billion) proposal to build a solar power station in space.Yes, you read that right. Space-based solar power is one of the technologies to feature in the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. It has been identified as a potential solution, alongside others, to enable the U.K. to achieve net-zero by 2050.But how would a solar power station in space work? What are the advantages and drawbacks of this technology?Space-based solar power involves collecting solar energy in space and transferring it to Earth. While the idea itself is not new, recent technological advances have made this prospect more achievable.The space-based solar power system involves a solar power satellite — an enormous spacecraft equipped with solar panels. These panels generate electricity, which is…

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