Future Energy: Musk's Plan for a Giant Solar Farm

Elon Musk's idea for a solar energy future

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

According to Elon Musk, the energy needs of the entire United States could be met by an immense fusion reactor that it already exists, is colossal and has existed since before the existence of man: the sun.

The CEO of Tesla says that a photovoltaic system of approx 160 x 160 kilometers would sufficient to meet the energy needs of the United States, as he recalled in the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. Musk assures that this proposal is entirely doable and underlines the potential of solar energy.

Musk is known for his bold and provocative ideas, and his proposal to massively exploit solar energy is no exception. His vision involves the use of car's battery performance for store the energy generated by solar panels. Furthermore, his company, Tesla, he acquired SolarCity and is investing heavily in the development of energy storage technologies, such as Powerwall e Powerpack, with the purpose of integrate solar energy in its mission to transition to sustainable sources, possibly lowering the price of electricity for US citizens.

The use of solar energy in the world 

The sector ofsolar power in the United States is experiencing significant growth, with 32 GW of new capacity expected to be added in a year, an increase of 53% compared to 2022. This growth is not unique to the United States; Europe is also witnessing a significant increase in solar energy production capacity, as well as a significant increase of the diffusion of tariffs for electricity managed by solar. In Italy the exploitation of solar energy through photovoltaic systems has taken place an increase of 115% compared to the same period of 2022, reaching 3,1 GW, unfortunately the complexity of requesting authorizations makes difficult rapid development of this resource. In Europe the major countries where solar energy is used they are Germany, Great Britain and Spain. Below is the global comparison of solar energy producing states in 2022. 

Font; OurWorldInData.org/renewable-energy

Global projects

Globally, there are even more ambitious projects seeking to harness solar energy. 

1. The European Space Agency (ESA) is exploring the possibility of capture solar energy into space and beam it back to Earth, to be handled by distributors and retailers through a concept known as SBSP (Solar Based Space Power), through a solar system which would be in orbit 36.000 km from Earth. Despite the technical and logistical challenges, initiatives like SOLARIS are evaluating feasibility of such projects.
2. The Japanese space agency has set a target of solar energy distribution from space within the 2025. 
3. China is building vast solar installations and proposals such as the Dyson Sphere, presented in the 60s, imagine a structure capable of surrounding a star to capture its energy, although this still belongs to the realm of science fiction.

In conclusion, Elon Musk's vision represents a bold and innovative approach towards sustainability. With the rapid technological development and the increase in the installation of photovoltaic systems globally, this vision may not be so far from reality.

Staff BlogInnovazione.Item:https://energia-luce.it/news/piano-musk-per-impianto-solare/

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