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SPACE FOR GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION 

ESA is developing space applications for a sustainable clean energy future

The global energy sector is going through a fundamental transformation as countries shift towards clean energy in response to climate change and the need to secure energy supplies. The transitions vary in their extent and speed, but the challenges are the same.

Vision

ESA’s vision and strategy include the use of space to combat the climate crisis and enable a green future. Digitalisation, satellite connectivity and space applications provide a range of opportunities to enhance energy security and the green energy transition, addressing many of the challenges faced by nations and by the energy sector. We envision space as key to helping provide secure, sustainable, accessible energy for everyone.

ESA's new Energy Dossier contains details of space's role in the energy transition, as well as information about projects and initiatives supported by ESA's Business Applications and Space Solutions programme, and plans for the future.

Download the Energy Dossier

 

How can space help the energy transition?

 

 

 

Satellite Communications (Satcom)

Many applications in the green energy sector use satcom technology to:

  • monitor the distribution of renewable energy, increasing efficiency and enhancing safety
  • accelerate modernisation towards smarter grids
  • assess demand and supply
  • establish robust communications for operational planning
  • analyse assets in real time
  • provide a communication link between platforms and stakeholders offshore and onshore
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS/Satnav)

Satnav systems can help with many aspects of the transition to green energy including by:

  • assisting with infrastructure planning
  • assessing regional resources and capacity for green hydrogen
  • operational planning
  • monitoring structural integrity of energy assets
  • facilitating remote maintenance
  • improving logistical efficiency
Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO)

SatEO can be used to:

  • predict the influence of environmental factors and weather conditions on the power grid
  • provide accurate and fast evaluation of green energy sources
  • detect and monitor extreme weather conditions and environmental change patterns

Socio-economic Impact

ESA's commercially-focused approach has generated international market success and broad socio-economic benefits through sales and the creation of jobs across Europe. These BASS projects have unlocked market opportunities, driving the development of European space-based solutions in the energy sector and promoting collaboration with a wide range of partners.

The image below shows the impact that 16 of these energy-related Demonstration Projects which were completed between 2018 and 2023 have had:

Energy Initiatives

ESA has instigated many initiatives in recent years to promote the use of space applications and data in the provision of sustainable, clean energy. We support innovative developments through technical assistance and funding, with more initiatives planned for the future.

Now, in this rapidly evolving context, and as ESA seeks to accelerate the use of space and work towards carbon neutrality by 2050, we have launched the “Task Force for Innovation in Energy Through Space”. This Energy Task Force will address the key challenges faced by the energy sector through the use of space solutions.

 

Find out more about the Energy Task Force

Work with us

We are always keen to talk to you about your ideas related to the green energy transition. We support businesses of all sizes through a wide range of funding opportunities, networking events and outreach activities. Please email us on business@esa.int to find out more. 

To keep up-to-date with the latest energy-related opportunities, news and events from BASS please sign up for our bulletin using the link below.

Sign up to the Energy Bulletin

 

News and Events

A successful Feasibility Study by German company EOMAP has attracted key funding from the Enel Group to progress its digital snow…

Belfast Harbour was the scene of a very different kind of launch this week as it played host to the European Space Agency (ESA)’s first…

Towards a Space-Powered Economy - Space Applications for Social, Environmental and Economic Sustainability

This one-day event will examine the needs and priorities of the port sector around the themes of decarbonisation and sustainability.

Italian energy tech company i-EM has successfully completed a Demonstration Project looking at microgrid management and focusing on two…

E.ON Innovation and the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme have announced the…

Focus Areas