In a world-first initiative, Japan is set to become the first country to wirelessly transmit solar power from space to Earth — a vision straight out of science fiction that’s now turning into reality!
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is backing this ambitious project, led by a public-private partnership including JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and private companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The technology, known as Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP), involves satellites fitted with solar panels orbiting 36,000 km above Earth. These satellites will collect solar energy and convert it into microwaves, which will then be beamed to ground-based receiving stations.
Unlike terrestrial solar farms, SBSP can harvest energy 24/7, unaffected by weather or nightfall. Japan’s long-term goal? To power entire cities wirelessly — and reduce its carbon emissions dramatically in the process.
If successful, this will be a massive leap toward clean, limitless energy, and could help solve energy shortages around the world.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
