China is making the once sci-fi dream of space-based solar power a reality and leaving the West scrambling to keep up. Imagine a kilometre-wide solar array orbiting Earth, harvesting limitless, uninterrupted solar energy and beaming it back home, day and night, without the interference of clouds or darkness. The China Academy of Space Technology is spearheading this geostationary solar power station and with a 2028-2050 roadmap, Beijing is set to redefine the global energy game.
In 2028, China plans to launch a low Earth orbit test satellite generating 10 kilowatts (kW) to trial microwave power transmission. By 2030, a 1-megawatt (MW) station is expected to be deployed in geostationary orbit at 36,000 km, where it will be assembled in space before beaming power back to Earth. By 2035, the system aims to scale up to 10 MW, proving its potential for mass energy production. By 2050, the goal is to have a commercially operated solar power plant in space generating two gigawatts (GW) of electricity with an approximately one-kilometre-wide antenna and complex solar cell array assembled in space.
Unlike Earth-based solar farms, which suffer from weather conditions and night-time dips, a solar station in space captures continuous, unfiltered solar radiation, potentially more efficient than anything on the ground. The energy is then converted into microwaves and beamed down to terrestrial receiving stations, where it is transformed back into electricity and integrated into the grid. The Bishan testing facility in Chongqing, backed by $15 million in funding, is already fine-tuning the radio wave transmission technology needed to transmit solar energy from orbit to Earth.
This isn’t just ambition; it’s execution. China has been investing in SBSP since the early 2000s, with CAST, Chongqing University and Huawei leading research efforts. The country’s state-driven, centralised approach allows for massive co-ordination and rapid development, unlike the fragmented, slow-moving private sector initiatives in the US. Compare this to the US, where NASA’s exploration of SBSP diminished post-Apollo and private renewable energy projects have faced challenges. China’s Long March 9 rocket is expected to support these ambitious projects, while the US relies on private companies like SpaceX for heavy-lift capabilities.
If China succeeds, it will not be just a clean energy breakthrough; it’s geopolitical influence. A functional space-based power station would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, secure national power grids and provide energy for space and military assets. Meanwhile, the US faces challenges, including private sector fragmentation, underfunded agencies and a lack of long-term vision. While China accelerates towards its 2060 carbon neutrality goal, the West is still debating the feasibility of such projects.
To be clear, challenges remain, from microwave precision to orbital assembly logistics, but China’s commitment and pace are notable. The West is watching and it’s attentive. This isn’t just China making history; it’s China shaping the future. China is turning science fiction into fact and is most certainly not the villain of the story.
Australia, despite its vast potential, has been lagging in both space-based technology and terrestrial renewable energy advancements. The nation possesses abundant natural resources and geographical advantages that could position it as a leader in renewable energy. However, several factors have impeded its progress. In the realm of space technology, Australia has historically been a consumer, rather than a producer of space services. The country relies heavily on foreign satellites for critical applications such as weather forecasting, GPS and communications.
This dependency stems from a lack of substantial investment and infrastructure in the domestic space sector. Although the Australian Space Agency was established in 2018 with the goal of tripling the size of the space industry by 2030, progress has been sluggish. The cancellation of key programs and a lack of a cohesive national strategy have left the industry in a state of uncertainty, raising concerns about Australia’s ability to keep pace with global advancements in space technology.
On the terrestrial front, Australia’s renewable energy sector has experienced both growth and significant challenges. The country has seen an increase in solar installations, with renewables accounting for 39.4% of Australia’s total electricity supply in 2023, up 9.7% from 2022. Despite this, the renewable sector faced a slowdown in 2023, with financial approvals for new solar farms shrinking by more than a third and no new wind farms receiving backing. This decline has been attributed to policy uncertainty, inadequate infrastructure and a lack of long-term strategic planning. Additionally, Australia’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for a significant portion of power generation in 2020, has hindered the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
While Australia has the potential to be a giant in renewable energy and space technology, a combination of policy inconsistencies, insufficient investment and reliance on traditional energy sources has impeded its progress. To harness its full potential, Australia needs to adopt a cohesive and forward-looking strategy that addresses these challenges and leverages its natural advantages.
James Wood
James Wood is a British-Australian IT professional specialising in artificial intelligence and cyber security, currently living in China. With a career rooted in the technology sector, he is passionate about geopolitics, particularly China’s evolving role on the global stage, offers him a unique perspective that bridges technology and global security matters. An avid creative writer and photographer, he enjoys capturing the beauty of the world and stays active through hiking and fitness. Living in China has allowed James to experience the country firsthand, free from Western preconceptions, enriching his appreciation for Chinese culture and viewpoints. His open-minded approach directly results from his time living in China.