I think that solar energy will be the future of the smart grid...but we have a LONG way to go in terms of learning how to harness and use it in efficient ways. That said, I don't think the plan to construct a belt of solar panels around the moon is the best step towards that end.
My friend Jaymi Heimbuch at TreeHugger says,
The Daily Mail reports that Shimizu Corporation announced the idea for a project that would provide 13,000 terawatts of energy for Earth, beamed back by either laser or microwave. The array, which would consist of a 6,800 mile belt wrapping around the moon, would be built almost exclusively by robots. It would also eliminate issues of inefficiency due to weather, and the moon's soil could be used to make the materials necessary for construction including concrete, oxygen, and yes, even water.
Of course, there is no intended timeline for the project -- that's obvious since the concept was already circulating a year ago and nothing new has been introduced to the plans. It's also not exactly surprising considering the requirements of the project, including technologies that haven't even been created yet. But the Shimizu Corporation is optimistic, stating "The Luna Ring, our lunar solar power generation concept, translates this dream [of renewable energy] into reality through ingenious ideas coupled with advanced space technologies."
Yeah, that's a little excessive, don't you think? Creative, interesting, and forward-thinking, but excessive. I think we'd be better off spending time and resources on figuring out how to make solar panels more efficient and without harmful materials. Or maybe creating solar panels that can still work in the dark. Or how about photovoltaic spray paint that turns any metal surface into a solar panel?
How do you think we could get more out of solar energy?
[Photo: Mr. Objective/Flickr]
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