Space Power Systems for the Global Environment Age LUCIEN DESCHAMPS1 Introduction Major foreseeable energy needs in the 21st century mean that it is necessary to develop an energy policy that will prove to be economical and will develop new energy forms using renewable and inexhaustible resources. The use of solar energy is hampered on Earth by the fluctuations of the energy actually received. Conversely, the installation of solar power stations in space could allow us to exploit the sun’s energy on an almost permanent basis while simultaneously providing an essentially clean energy source (notably with no contribution to the greenhouse effect). Space power systems would thus be likely to make significant contributions to future global energy demands. Today nearly 90% of energy is obtained by the combustion of fossil fuels (oil 38%, coal 30%, gas 20%). This development is on the one hand causing the gradual exhaustion of fossil resources and on the other hand causing an increase in ecological degradation, e.g. the Greenhouse effect linked to the release of carbon dioxide and acid rains. The immediate priority is to limit the consumption of fossil fuels. Projected estimates of the world’s population over the next century (12 billion human beings in 2100 compared to less than half that figure today) make it necessary for us to develop new sources for energy production that will give everyone a basic minimum of comfort whilst at the same time protecting the environment. To achieve this objective research on the economical and rational use of energy, as well as the development of systems that make effective use of renewable energy or inexhaustible resources compatible with the Earth’s ecology, should proceed on an international scale. One solution is the construction of nuclear power stations with major emphasis put on safety; however, they cannot be built worldwide because the safe construction and operation of these stations require certain levels of technical and organizational development. Energy saving is another appropriate answer with high potential. It must be noted that developing countries will be able to use energy-saving techniques created by richer ones. Electricite de France, Societe des Electriciens et des Electroniciens, France.
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