Power from space - When?
Abstract
A simulation developed to investigate when importation of power from space could make a significant contribution to the world's supply in the light of competing alternatives and concern over the environment is described. The simulation suggests that there will be small-scale pilot operations in the second decade of the next century, that there will be the beginning of a significant supply in the third decade of the next century, and that there will be a major and rapidly growing importation by mid-century. It is concluded that, even making optimistic assumptions on possible energy efficiency in the industrialized world, promoting a rapid build-up of terrestrial renewables, and promoting the potential for power from space, there will be an energy shortfall for the next 20-25 years.
- Publication:
-
Washington, DC International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- August 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992wadc.iafcS....E
- Keywords:
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- Energy Sources;
- Energy Technology;
- Extraterrestrial Resources;
- Technology Assessment;
- Biomass;
- Energy Consumption;
- Energy Policy;
- Geothermal Energy Utilization;
- Helium Isotopes;
- Nuclear Fusion;
- Solar Energy;
- Solar Power Satellites;
- Windpower Utilization;
- Energy Production and Conversion