Joint Global Change Research Institute
Joint Global Change Research Institute: A Collaboration of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Maryland
Joint Global Change Research Institute: A Collaboration of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Maryland
PNNL
UMD
The Future Market Share of Space Solar Electric Power Under Open Competition
Authored by John F Clarke, Steven J Smith, N Mahasenan, James A Edmonds
Abstract:
We model Space Solar Power (SSP) under market-based competition with a full suite of energy technologies under scenarios spanning a range of possible future demographic, socio-economic, and technological developments, both with and without CO2 concentration stabilization policies. This analysis expands on previous work by incorporating SSP within the PNNL MiniCAM integrated assessment model. Our modeling and analysis suggests that, under conditions of full competition of all available technologies, SSP at 7? per kW-hr could comprise 5-10% of global electric generation by the end of the century, with a global total generation of 10,000 TW-hr. The imposition of a carbon constraint does not significantly increase the total amount of power generated by SSP. Its market share is limited by competition with lower-cost nuclear, biomass, and terrestrial solar PV and wind. However, plausible constraints on the availability of competing electric generation options do increase its market share. As with previous work on this subject, we find that launch costs and infrastructure are significant impediments to the widespread implementation of SSP.
Clarke JF, SJ Smith, N Mahasenan, JA Edmonds. 2003. "The Future Market Share of Space Solar Electric Power Under Open Competition."