Pioneering research on sustainable energy transfer from space
21 January 2010
Cutting-edge research being carried out at the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), University of Surrey, aims to capture solar energy directly from space and transmit the energy to Earth using lasers.
Dr Stephen Sweeney of the ATI and Department of Physics is leading the project at Surrey working closely with EADS Astrium. The aim of the research is to use infrared lasers as a means of beaming solar energy from a satellite system to Earth.
Dr Sweeney comments: “Exploiting the power of the sun directly from space provides a clean, constantly available source of energy that may be used anywhere on demand – a solar tap. Using a laser-based system overcomes many of the problems associated with collecting solar energy on the ground. The challenge for us is to develop the technology to maximise the conversion of infrared laser light into electricity.”
Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the ATI, comments: “The task of powering the world can only be solved using high quality research applied to societal needs. The green sustainable energy solution outlined is a beautiful example of industry working with academia on knowledge transfer. Surrey recently won a major contract from EPSRC on Knowledge Transfer to exploit such research. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and technology solution with this project.”
The project is the result of a long term partnership setup between Astrium, Europe’s largest space company and the University of Surrey, to develop solutions to terrestrial problems using space technology. Robert Lainé, Astrium Space’s Chief Technology Officer, spoke to the BBC News Channel about the project and Astrium’s plans to fly a demonstration solar power mission in orbit.
For more information please visit the BBC website.
