By: Economy middle east

By 2050, 90 percent of rapidly growing global electricity demand would be met by renewable sources
Global space-based solar power market to reach $2 trillion as demand for electricity continues to grow
Current renewable technologies are estimated to meet only two-thirds of total electricity needs, making large-scale alternative solutions such as space-based solar power an increasingly important and credible option
Published: Wed 19 Nov 2025, 2:27 PM

Space-based solar power is a promising solution to global energy challenges, as global electricity demand is expected to triple to 70,000 TWh annually by 2050, according to “The Future of Space Solar Power” report published on Wednesday by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).

Space-based solar power operates by collecting solar energy in space, outside Earth’s atmosphere, and transmitting it wirelessly to the ground through microwaves. This technology offers a continuous and sustainable source of clean energy and opens significant economic and developmental opportunities, with the global market expected to reach $2 trillion.

Innovation to support global decarbonization efforts

The report outlined a wide range of sectors that stand to benefit from space-based solar power, including the space and aviation industry, the energy sector, financial services and investment, infrastructure and construction, the automotive sector and public utilities.

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of DFF, said the report showcased a promising opportunity that could drive a transformative shift in the global energy landscape in the coming years and decades. He noted that this power offers humanity the possibility of accessing a sustainable and unlimited clean energy source.

The report identifies five essential components required for this system. These include launch systems that transport dedicated solar power satellites into outer space; in-orbit assembly platforms for building space-based solar power stations; solar energy capture technologies; wireless transmission systems that beam the collected energy to Earth; and ground receiving stations that convert the transmitted energy into usable electricity.

The report expected that by 2050, 90 percent of rapidly growing global electricity demand would be met by renewable sources. However, current renewable technologies are estimated to meet only two-thirds of total electricity needs, making large-scale alternative solutions such as space-based solar power an increasingly important and credible option to support global decarbonization efforts.

Space-based solar power gains global momentum

The report also highlighted the rapid global momentum surrounding space-based solar power, as governments and companies across Asia, Europe and North America invest in promising pilot projects and innovations. This power leverages existing technologies, such as spacecraft used to deploy satellites into orbit and microwave transmission systems.

Unlike terrestrial renewables, space-based solar power provides continuous clean energy day and night, regardless of weather conditions or geographic location.

In addition, the report examined the path toward commercialization, detailing the technological infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and collaborative efforts required to transition the technology from experimental concepts to real-world deployment.