Solar panels in space ‘could provide 80% of Europe’s renewable energy by 2050’

The study also suggests space-based solar power could cut the cost of Europe’s power system by 15% and battery usage by more than two-thirds. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Solar panels in space could cut Europe’s terrestrial renewable energy needs by 80% by 2050, a study has found.

Using a detailed computer model of the continent’s future power grid, the researchers found that a system of space-based panels designed by Nasa could reduce the cost of the whole European power system by as much as 15%. It could also cut battery use by more than two-thirds.