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Space-based solar power: Overview

Catching sunlight in orbit and beaming it down to Earth

What this tile covers Collectors in orbit that would beam energy down to Earth; experimental. Share of use 0% share of world energy supply (2024)

Share of world total energy supply captured or extracted by each method, 2024 (latest year where noted). Denominator is the Energy Institute Statistical Review 2025 total of 592.2 EJ (physical energy content method); electricity from wind, solar, hydro and geothermal is counted at output, nuclear at reactor heat. Heat and biomass flows outside EI's total are set against the same 592.2 EJ. No operating system; only small beaming demonstrations. Source: Space-Based Solar Power (Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy), NASA.

Key facts

OutputElectricity (experimental)

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  • Space-based solar power

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