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Publisher Summary This chapter examines the commercial viability of the Space Solar Power System (SSPS). The SSPS generates electric power during Earth's orbit, and sends the power to the earth by a microwave beam. The cost of the SSPS was compared with that of photovoltaic power plant on the ground. The power-generation cost of the SSPS is estimated, based on a detailed model. It also showed that the cost of the SSPS is in the range of that of photovoltaic power generation systems, with electric power storage. The feasibility of the SSPS as a CDM project has been evaluated. The clean development mechanism (CDM), which is one of the flexible measures referred to as the Kyoto Mechanism, allows for the international transfer of CO2 emission permits. If an antenna for receiving the microwave beam, a rectenna, is set up in a country neighboring Japan, the SSPS can export the electric power to the country. The framework of CDM is considered applicable to this case. The application of CDM to the SSPS project means that Japan can use carbon credits by erecting the rectenna in China. The effect of CDM on the generation cost has been examined, assuming that the SSPS substitutes the coal-fired power plants in China. As a result, the SSPS can be commercially viable under the very restricted, but possible, conditions. |
