SNW(SH:600628) Ke Ji Ri Bao·2025-11-03 15:19Core Insights - The increasing electrification of human life and rapid advancements in big data and AI technologies are driving unprecedented growth in global energy demand. Space-based solar power (SBSP) may offer a new path toward a truly clean and abundant energy future [1][3]. Technological and Economic Feasibility - With decreasing launch costs and advancements in large-scale manufacturing technologies, SBSP has become technically and economically feasible. However, key technical challenges remain, such as further reducing launch costs and improving the efficiency of power transmission to Earth [3][8]. Advantages of Space-Based Solar Power - SBSP can provide stable and reliable baseload power, which was previously only achievable through fossil fuels or nuclear energy. The intensity of sunlight in space is 5-10 times greater than on Earth, allowing for higher energy generation efficiency and significant land resource savings [4][5]. - A recent NASA study predicts that a model of SBSP could generate power 99% of the time in a year. This high energy density could also reduce material consumption, enhancing sustainability and alleviating resource pressure [5]. Global Competition and Developments - A "space race" for sustainable energy is underway, with countries and private enterprises increasing investments in SBSP. In August 2023, Caltech's SBSP prototype successfully demonstrated wireless energy transmission in space [6]. - China is advancing its kilometer-scale array construction, aiming for breakthroughs by 2028, with ongoing projects in Chongqing and Xi'an [6]. - The European Space Agency launched the SOLARIS pre-research program in January 2023, planning to invest €60 million over three years to tackle core technologies [6]. - The UK has adopted the CASSIOPeiA concept for SBSP demonstration projects, with plans to deliver commercial systems within six years [6]. - Japan is focusing on SBSP as a key development direction, successfully conducting long-distance microwave transmission experiments [7]. Technical Challenges - Despite the promising outlook for SBSP, several key technical hurdles must be overcome. The challenge of launch costs remains significant, as constructing larger SBSP stations will require numerous launches [8]. - Current wireless power transmission has achieved distances of several kilometers, but efficiently and stably transmitting gigawatt-level power back to Earth presents major technical bottlenecks [8]. - The need for autonomous robots to accurately assemble and maintain large space structures in orbit is another critical technical challenge that needs to be addressed [8].