Value chain · CLM-1444
In plain terms
The 2021 study for the UK government concluded that space-based solar power is technically feasible, affordable at a competitive cost per unit of electricity, and good for the UK economy, and recommended a staged programme of development and demonstration. This is the study's own conclusion; no such system has been built or tested at scale.
The claim as recorded
Frazer-Nash's 2021 executive summary, for a study done "under contract for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)", states "This study concludes:" and lists three conclusions: "Space Based Solar Power is technically feasible, and could support Net Zero pathways"; "It is affordable, with a competitive Levelised Cost of Electricity"; and "Development of this technology would bring substantial economic benefits for the UK". It recommends that government "Incorporate Space Based Solar Power into relevant Government Policies, including Net Zero and the National Space Strategy" and "Initiate a staged technology development and demonstration programme". It also states that "Recent technology and conceptual advances have made the concept both viable and economically competitive."
Evidence behind this: T4, the executive summary of a consultancy study done "under contract for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)", per the same page; the study's own favourable conclusion.
Scope and limits
This records what the study concludes; it does not show that space-based solar power is feasible or affordable. It is a commissioned study's favourable conclusion, not confirmed here by an independent source. The page gives no cost figure, price year or definition of "competitive"; the study's cost figures and their assumptions are elsewhere in the summary and in its Phase 1 report. The page calls the study "independent"; that is the study's description of itself.
What it assumes
No assumptions are recorded against this claim.
Where it comes from
PDF p.2 / printed 2, text layer: "Frazer-Nash Consultancy, under contract for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has undertaken an independent study into the technical feasibility, cost and economics of Space Based Solar Power"; "This study concludes:" followed by three bullets as quoted; "Recommendations are made to:" followed by two bullets as quoted; "Recent technology and conceptual advances have made the concept both viable and economically competitive."
Cite this
energyaperture.com/c/clm-1444
CLM-1444, Energy Aperture, as of 2021-09.
Connected records
Other published records linked to this one. A list, not a judgement.
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