Space Based Solar Comparable to Uranium

Natural uranium, as mined, has the potential to generate 443,000 MJ/kg of heat in a light water reactor. This is the benchmark to beat. Note, of this energy, only 30% will be available as electricity. [1]

Like nuclear energy, space based solar power (SBSP) can provide firm energy. However it is the only approach that can provide clean, firm, and renewable energy 24 hours a day.

Space based solar has been seriously studied for decades. Starting in the 1970’s, the specific power for a space based solar plant was estimated at 100 to 150 W/kg [2]. Since then, solar cells, electronics, and materials have dramatically improved. Recent studies estimate a range of 500 to 1000 W/kg [3] for space based solar power. With a 30-year operational life [4], and using the lower value of 500 W/kg, that results in 473,364 MJ/kg.

So…. a kg of #SBSP can be a dense energy source and deliver more energy than a kg of uranium!

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_density_Extended_Reference_Table
[2] www.fnc.co.uk/media/e15ing0q/frazer-nash-sbsp-executive-summary-final.pdf page 20
[3] https://space.nss.org/wp-content/uploads/SSP-DOE-1978-space-solar-power-Reference-System-Report.pdf page 59
[4] www.fnc.co.uk/media/myuhgjfg/space-based-solar-power-executive-summary.pdf