With the goal of continuously producing clean energy for Earth, Shimizu Corporation has put out an ambitious plan to construct a gigantic “Lunar Solar Ring” around the Moon.
The project aims to build a nearly 11,000-kilometer belt of solar panels along the Moon’s equator. The Moon’s lack of atmosphere and almost steady sunshine would enable continuous power generation, in contrast to Earth-based solar farms.
Using microwave or laser technology, electricity produced on the lunar surface would be sent to Earth, where it would be converted into useful energy via rectennas, which are ground-based receivers. The technology has the ability to generate significantly more energy than the world’s present need.
As Japan looked at alternative energy sources after the Fukushima nuclear accident, the idea gained traction.
Nevertheless, the project is still theoretical and lacks support from significant space organizations like NASA or JAXA, as well as a verified schedule.
The concept emphasizes the promise of space-based solar power as a long-term sustainable energy source, despite major logistical and technological obstacles.
Source – The Times of India
