UK scientists are planning to launch brand new solar panels into space in order to solve the current energy crisis.
In order to kickstart the scheme, the UK Space Agency plan to put up an initial £500,000 of taxpayers’ money to build prototypes for the project.
The scientists are planning to construct the jumbo panels, inset, to collect power from the sun’s rays, store it and beam it down.
Experts at the Government-backed Satellite Applications Catapult, in Didcot, Oxfordshire, are the ones behind the energy-saving research.
Sam Alden said: “This project is a vital first step in the development of a viable Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) solution.
“By funding SBSP, the UK Space Agency is demonstrating its commitment to this important future energy technology and that gives us a vital boost as we start this work.
“The funding allows us to deliver many of the critical enabling elements to ensure we get the whole solution, from technology to environmental and regulatory aspects, right the first time.
"As the world races to achieve net-zero, momentum is building globally and nations looking for future energy security are closely watching the UK progress.”
Satellite Applications Catapult is ploughing £155,000 into the research.
Experts say SBSP would allow much higher energy collection.
The news comes after the UK and Saudi Arabia governments discussed ambitious plans for collaboration in space and innovation, including the potential to invest in the development of space-based solar power.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps met with His Excellency Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Saudi Arabian Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, on January 12 to discuss the potential agreement.
A collaboration between UK-based Space Solar Ltd, and NEOM - a new Saudi city being built in the Tabuk Province to incorporate smart city innovations, world-class technology and data intelligence - could see each nation committing significant investment into developing space based solar power (SBSP) in the coming years.
Grant Shapps said: "Collaboration on a global scale is an essential part of realising the UK’s ambitions in science and innovation, which is why I am excited to be here in the Gulf – where we are now playing an integral role in influencing energy transition plans – to develop our bilateral relationship with a state so open to business, and with aspirations so grand."
