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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.
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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.
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Towards 2030 and beyond
In the years up to 2030, clean energy transitions will primarily rely on a range of renewable energy types for electricity generation. These include:
- Solar power
- Wind Power
- Hydroelectric
- Bioenergy
Looking beyond 2030, diverse low-carbon technologies such as green hydrogen that are currently in their demonstration phase will start to have an impact.
Meanwhile, the concept of energy security is broader and more important than ever, covering the “four As”:
- Availability,
- Accessibility
- Affordability
- Acceptability
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.
