Renewable Energy Systems: How Can Space Help?

Paper number

IAC-06-E5.1.06

Author

Mr. Ozgur Gurtuna, Turquoise Technology Solutions Inc., Canada

Year

2006

Abstract

Currently, three emerging factors are starting to shape energy policies around the world: increasing prices of fossil fuels, growing concerns over energy security and a deeper understanding about the environmental impacts of today’s energy mix. All of these three factors are likely to make the case for renewable energies stronger. This paper will examine the possible roles that space technologies and applications can play in improving the competitiveness of renewable energy systems.

Renewable energy systems represent a very different paradigm than fossil fuel based systems. For instance, in terms of price dynamics, renewables are much closer to information technologies (IT) than natural resource extraction: since the resource is practically infinite, improving the technology to harness the energy will continuously push the prices downward (for a given level of energy output). In addition, creating a distributed renewable energy generation system is possible, by using IT-based innovations such as peer-to-peer networking. Therefore any significant development in renewable energy technologies can have a major impact on their competitive strength vis-à-vis fossil fuels.

This paper will present a framework to evaluate the potential of space technologies and applications in this process. The following specific points will be addressed:

-Using earth observation (EO) data and related technologies to identify the potential for different renewables and to better manage future renewable energy systems

-Assessing the potential of space technology spin-offs to improve the performance of existing renewable systems (with a particular focus on energy storage)

-The role of satellite telecommunications and navigation technologies in developing a distributed energy system 

In addition to these points, ongoing projects at various space agencies and companies will be presented to illustrate the current status of these efforts. Energy related space projects which are very long term (such as solar power plants) will not be discussed, since the paper will concentrate on shorter time scales, and (arguably) more practical solutions.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E5.1.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E5.1.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.