Could space become the world’s next power plant? China’s Zhuri project raises new possibilities

The idea sounds like a science fiction: giant solar panels orbiting Earth, collecting sunlight, and wirelessly sending electricity to satellites, drones and even ground-based equipment. But Chinese scientists say they have moved a step closer to making that vision a reality.

Researchers working on China’s “Zhuri” project, which translates to “sun chasing,” have completed a major ground test of a wireless power transmission system designed for future space-based solar power stations.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), the latest breakthrough allows electricity to be transmitted wirelessly to multiple moving targets at the same time.

The achievement is seen as an important milestone in China’s long-term effort to build what has been described as a “space power bank” — a system capable of collecting solar energy in space and distributing it where it is needed.

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What is a space solar power station?

Unlike solar panels on Earth, which are affected by weather conditions and the day-night cycle, solar panels placed in space can receive sunlight almost continuously. Scientists believe this could allow them to generate electricity much more efficiently than ground-based systems.

The concept involves large photovoltaic arrays in orbit that convert sunlight into electricity. That energy would then be transmitted wirelessly, likely using microwave technology, to receivers on Earth or in space.

Supporters of the technology argue that it could provide a stable source of clean energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

A new breakthrough in wireless power transfer

The Zhuri project is led by Duan Baoyan, a professor at Xidian University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Researchers associated with the project recently tested a 75-metre-high experimental facility built at the university to simulate the entire energy-transfer process before any future deployment in orbit. The latest version of the system can deliver power to several moving targets simultaneously, a significant improvement over earlier systems that could only transmit energy between fixed points.

This capability is considered crucial because satellites, spacecraft and many ground-based targets are constantly in motion. According to the report, directing energy to multiple moving objects is comparable to like hitting several distant moving targets in complete darkness.

Why it matters

The project has already achieved several milestones. In 2022, the research team completed what it described as the world’s first full-system ground verification of a space solar power station, demonstrating the complete chain from solar energy collection to wireless power delivery.

Recent tests showed the system could transmit 1,180 watts of power over a distance of 100 metres with an efficiency of 20.8 per cent.

Researchers believe future space-based solar power stations could provide continuous electricity 24 hours a day, and support deep-space missions. While many technical challenges remain before such systems become operational, the latest results suggest that the concept is gradually moving from theory toward practical reality.