Re:Space-based solar power is getting serious–can it solve E...
by Schroedingersat on Sunday October 23, 2022 @11:03AM
(#33307528)
> Where on Earth do we beam power long distances in any other application? If it was a good idea we would be doing it instead of running power lines through complex terrain like over mountains.
This doesn't necessarily follow.
For example, imagine a 96% efficient magic pixie beam that costs exactly as much as 1000km of HVDC transmission line and travels in line of sight.
There's no line of sight where it outperforms HVDC, but if you could cross 4000km with two hops via space, suddenly it makes sense.
SBSP is still a terrible idea though, just not for that specific reason.
This doesn't necessarily follow.
For example, imagine a 96% efficient magic pixie beam that costs exactly as much as 1000km of HVDC transmission line and travels in line of sight.
There's no line of sight where it outperforms HVDC, but if you could cross 4000km with two hops via space, suddenly it makes sense.
SBSP is still a terrible idea though, just not for that specific reason.