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Experts warn that the United States needs to urgently invest in space solar power technology or it will be dependent on China, which is already leading the way in this revolutionary innovation.
While the US Congress debates tentative changes to energy policy, China is accelerating the development of a technology that could transform the global energy landscape: the ability to transmit space solar energy to Earth. This technology could be the most transformative since nuclear power.
This breakthrough, which once seemed like science fiction, could soon become reality — and if the US doesn’t act quickly, it risks relying on China for access to this innovation.
Space solar energy
Experts explain that space-based solar energy (SBSP, in the English acronym) It is simple in concept, but revolutionary in impact.
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Satellites capture solar energy in space and send it to the Terra through secure, WiFi-like microwaves. Unlike terrestrial solar farms, these systems operate 24 hours a day, regardless of weather conditions or the absence of sunlight.
This technology could solve one of the biggest challenges facing America’s energy infrastructure.
The US East Coast alone will need the equivalent of 15 new nuclear power plants over the next decade to meet growing energy demand. Extreme weather events and outdated power grids make the situation even more critical.
China takes the lead of space solar energy
While the US debates, China is moving forward quickly. The country has already announced a prototype SBSP system by 2030.
If completed, it will be the largest man-made object in space. China's ambition goes beyond energy: mastering this technology means demonstrating space capabilities that could transform military and industrial dynamics in space.
Peter Garretson, an SBSP expert and member of the US Foreign Policy Council, does not mince words. “China will be producing this in less than 20 years, and we will buy it from them.”, he warned at a recent congressional briefing.
Why does this matter?
Energy accounts for about 10% of global GDP. Whoever leads the SBSP not only ensures energy independence, but also controls a multi-trillion dollar market that will define the next era of space operations.
The space and manufacturing industry is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, and a U.S.-led project would create thousands of well-paying jobs on American soil.
The scenario is not just economic. SBSP offers strategic advantages, such as greater energy security, reduced dependence on external sources and the supply of clean and reliable energy.
Furthermore, leadership in this sector would consolidate American influence in space and on land.
Credit: Xidian University
The US can still lead
Despite the Chinese threat, the U.S. has a solid foundation to compete. American companies have already demonstrated key technologies, and startups like Aetherflux and Virtus Solis, along with giants like Northrup Grumman, are poised to launch demonstration missions.
Thanks to initiatives like SpaceX, launch costs have dropped significantly.
However, the fragmentation of efforts between NASA, the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense prevents a coordinated move forward. Unlike China’s centralized approach, the U.S. lacks a unified national program.
the way forward
Congress needs to act quickly. A national SBSP program should be led by the U.S. Space Force, with adequate funding and clear coordination.
It is estimated that the investment required, a few billion dollars over the next decade, will be small compared to the economic and strategic benefits.
A partnership between government, business, and academia could enable a commercial demonstration by 2027. With U.S. technical support and infrastructure, an aggressive timeline is possible. The president should prioritize this initiative as part of a strategy to strengthen U.S. leadership in the sector.
A milestone for the future
SBSP is not just a new energy source. It solves critical problems: energy security, grid reliability, and climate sustainability. It also positions the U.S. as a leader in the development of advanced space technologies essential for the 21st century.
The central question is: Will the U.S. lead or lag? The world is not waiting. China is on the move, and Congress’s next steps will be decisive. The market opportunity is clear, and the technology is within reach. What is needed is national commitment.
The challenge of the new energy race
During the Space Race, Americans reached the Moon in less than a decade. Now, the energy race demands the same level of dedication. Leading the SBSP is not just a matter of innovation, but a strategic necessity.
The United States has the resources, the expertise, and the market. All that’s missing is the political will. The decision to act now will define America’s role in the next great global energy transformation. The future of energy and American leadership in space is at stake.
There is a verb agreement error in the headline. “Either they develop it or they will have to buy it would be much better.”
I will correct it, thanks.
the energy spent on building these structures in space justifies them. It is easier and cheaper to cover 10% of the American deserts with Chinese plates.