Can Power from Space Compete?

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Date

Feb. 29, 2000

Authors

Molly Macauley, Joel Darmstadter, John Fini, Joel Greenberg, John Maulbetsch, A. Michael Schaal, Geoffrey Styles, and James Vedda

Publication

Working Paper

Reading time

1 minute

Satellite solar power (SSP) has been suggested as an alternative to terrestrial energy resources for electricity generation. In this study, we consider the market for electricity from the present to 2020, roughly the year when many experts expect SSP to be technically achievable. We identify several key challenges for SSP in competing with conventional electricity generation in developed and developing countries, discuss the role of market and economic analysis as technical development of SSP continues during the coming years, and suggest future research directions to improve understanding of the potential economic viability of SSP.

Topics

Authors

Molly K. Macauley

Joel Darmstadter

Senior Fellow Emeritus

Joel Darmstadter

John Fini

Joel Greenberg

John Maulbetsch

A. Michael Schaal

Geoffrey Styles

James Vedda

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