The Environment – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the renewable energy generated from this project completely carbon-free?
Yes. Solaren’s space solar power (SSP) energy conversion process is completely carbon-free, and generates no greenhouse gases (GHGs) or other emissions.
- Do Solaren space solar power plants use and consume large quantities of water like other baseload power plants?
No. Solaren SSP plants are not thermoelectric, that is we do not create heat, boil water, make stream to turn a turbine and generate electricity. Solaren solar power satellites, in earth orbit, transmit a radio frequency (RF) power beam to our ground receive station, where the RF power is directly converted into electricity at high efficiency. No water is required for power generation cooling processes.
- How will the construction of this project impact the environment?
The construction of Solaren’s SSP plant will have minimal impacts to the environment. Construction of the SSP ground receive station will have no more environmental impact than the construction of a similarly sized terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant. Space launch vehicles will place the solar power satellites into their proper orbit. These space launch vehicles primarily use natural fuels (H2, O2) and have an emissions profile similar to a fuel cell.
- How will the SSP ground receive station site be selected?
We have a number of key requirements for the selection of the SSP ground receives station (GRS). These include: 1) the site will located as close as possible to the customer’s load center, 2) minimize the distance from the GRS to the customer’s substation / delivery point, 3) minimize the need for any long distance transmission lines and 4) the site will meet all Federal, State, and local environmental requirements.
