LUNA RING, Solar Power Generation on the Moon
Aiming for a new sustainable society
through a paradigm shift on energy
There is a shift occurring from the existing paradigm of conservation of the limited resources on earth to the concept of producing nearly limitless clean energy, and freely using the abundance of clean energy. The LUNA RING for lunar solar power generation embodies that concept. It marries an original idea to research and development on space technology.
Planet earth is a gift from the sun. The sun’s energy is perpetual and will not have an adverse impact on the earth’s environment, no matter how much energy we use. The massive energy of the sun will give us a beautiful earth and an abundant lifestyle in the future.
This is a new proposal from Shimizu Corporation
designed to enable humans to live in perpetual harmony with our beautiful earth.
LUNA RING, solar powergeneration on the moon
Generate power by installing a ring of solar power cells around the equator of moon. Convert the power into microwave laser beams and transmit this energy to earth from the side of the moon that always faces the earth.
Largescale solar power generator on the surface of the moon
- Not affected by weather
- Continuous, 24-hour power generation
Use as energy for all regions on earth
- An alternative for all energy consumption
- Achieves a clean energy society
Path of Solar Energy to Earth
❶ Energy conversion base
Microwave power reception rectenna*1
Laser power beam reception base
*1 An abbreviation for rectifying antenna. An antenna that converts microwaves into direct current electricity
❷ Energy transmission to earth via two types of technology
Microwave transmission technology
Laser beam transmission technology
❸ Energy transmission base
Microwave power transmission antenna
Laser beam light transmission base
❹ Built on the moon’s equator
Lunar solar cells
Power transmission cable
*2 What is the lunar equator? The circular plane that travels through the moon’s center of gravity, is perpendicular to the rotational axis, and intersects the moon’s surface.
Energy Transmission from the Moon to the Earth
Sunlight(Solar energy)
Constant, stable energy from the sun shines on the lunar equator.
Lunar solar cells(Solar belt)
Energy transmission base(Base that transmits energy to earth)
Light from the sun is converted to electricity via lunar solar cells installed on the lunar equator. The electricity is transmitted to the earth-oriented side of the moon via a power cable. It is then converted into a microwave laser beam and the energy is transmitted to earth.
Energy conversion base(This is a base that converts the energy from the moon into electricity and produces hydrogen.)
Global supply
The microwave laser beam transmitted from the moon is converted to electricity in the earth-based energy conversion base and distributed to a power grid or converted into hydrogen for fuel and energy storage. This will realize a world in which energy can be used by all people equally.
Creating Lunar Solar Cells with the Moon’s Resources:
Building a Lunar Power Plant
Building a lunar power plant with the moon’s resources
We will make maximal use of resources on the moon to build a lunar power plant.
The sand on the moon is an oxide compound, so it would be possible to produce oxygen and water if hydrogen were brought from the earth. Moreover, we could produce cement by mixing water with sand and gravel to produce concrete. It would also be possible to use the heat from the sun to produce blocks and glass fiber.
| Things that can be produced from moon sand | |
| Ceramics | Concrete |
| Glass | Solar cells |
| Oxygen | Water |
Space Construction Robots to Play Active Role in Building Lunar Power Plant
Robots will play the lead role in lunar surface construction. Remote control from earth will enable 24-hour operation.
Working on the Surface of the Moon
Working on the moon will require the presence of humans, and the work will be performed jointly by a few team members and robots.
Source: NASA
Module Assembly in Zero-gravity Space
Machinery modules transported from earth will be assembled in orbit, lowered to the surface of the moon, and installed.
Source: NASA
Civil Engineering Work and Resource Extraction
Large robots that drill to the hard, inner layer and level the ground on the soft surface of the moon.
Source: NASA
Solar Cells Lined Up on the Lunar Equator
Solar Cells Lined Up on the Lunar Equator
❶ Lunar solar cells: : A group of solar cells that will extend around the 11,000 km of the lunar equator and range in width from a few kilometers to 400 km at the widest point. They will continuously generate solar power.
❷ Power transmission cable: : A power transmission base will be stationed on the earth-oriented side of the moon’s surface. When solar light shines on the other side of the moon, this cable will transmit power to the transmission base.
❸ Microwave transmission antenna: : Energy will be transmitted to a power reception rectenna on earth from a transmission antenna that is 20 km in diameter. A wireless earth-based guide beacon will be used to ensure accurate transmission.
❹ Laser beam light-transmission base: : A laser beam of high energy density will be generated from sunlight. An earth-based guide beacon will be used to ensure accurate transmission.
❺ Transport route on the lunar equator: : This will be used to transport materials necessary for constructing and maintaining the lunar power plant. A power transmission cable will be installed beneath the transport route.
❻ Self-propelled solar cell production plant: : The plant itself will move as it produces solar cells from lunar resources and installs them.
