Space-based Reflectors for Night-time Illumination and Enhancing Solar Power Generation over India

Abstract

Climate change agreements to contain global warming caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel-based sources necessitate a shift to renewables for energy generation. India's growing population drives her energy consumption and is predicted to peak by 2060. However, India’s per capita consumption of primary energy (7,129 kWh/yr in 2022) and electricity (1,311 kWh/yr) is much lower than for developed countries. Parity in per capita consumption by 2060 implies an increase in primary energy consumption by 56,277 TWh and the installed capacity for power generation by 2,482 GW from 2022 levels, and requires innovative carbon-neutral/low-carbon solutions. Sunlight reflected from space-based orbiting satellite reflectors (OSRs) can provide night-time illumination and enhance power generation from Solar Power Parks (SPPs) during dawn/dusk when natural sunlight is minimal. A constellation of 9 (34) pairs of OSRs with a mirror diameter of 1 km can provide continuous illumination ≥ 2 lux (≥ 8 lux) over New Delhi and illuminate other significant cities. OSRs in sun-synchronous dawn/dusk orbit at 1000 km altitude can increase power generation from SPPs by about 72.8 kWh/km2 during overhead passes. Our results indicate the potential for OSRs to meet future energy demand and reduce GHG emissions from the power sector.