Scientists Shed Light on Beaming Solar Power from Space

Brian Wu, Mar 15, 2015 07:29 PM EDT - The Science Times

While there might be limits to the amount of solar power we can collect here on Earth, scientists have long been studying the notion of harnessing solar power from the endless supply that can be found in space.  Now, what was once just a notion in the mind of researchers has taken a huge step towards becoming a reality.

Scientists working for JAXA, Japan's space administration, have announced a major breakthrough in wireless power transmission.  Researchers were able to finally beam power with a high degree of accuracy.  The team beamed 1.8 kilowatts of power, enough to power an electric tea kettle, more than 50 meters to a small receiver without any wires whatsoever. 
While this distance is just a drop in the bucket compared to the distance from space to the ground here on Earth, the technology could pave the way for mankind to tap the vast amount of energy resources available in Space for use here at home.

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TVA Asks Customers to Conserve in Light of Peak Power Demand

The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for a voluntary reduction in electricity use until Friday
afternoon as a result of frigid temperatures causing high demand across the Southeast.

The request extends to all electric power consumers- residential, commercial and industrial customers.  The voluntary reduction will help ensure a continued supply of power to essential services throughout TVA's seven-state service territory and avoid interruptions of service.

All of TVA's available generating resources are being used to meet the peak power demand. TVA's bulk electric system remains secure and stable at this time.

'When it's below freezing, each time the temperature drops one degree another 400 megawatts of electricity is needed for our system,' said Jacinda Woodward, senior vice president of TVA Transmission and Power Supply.

'Setting your thermostat 2-3 degrees below normal this evening and Thursday morning can really help TVA manage the high power demand during this challenging time.'

A peak power demand is expected to happen Wednesday evening as regional temperatures are forecast to drop into single digits causing electricity demand to exceed 31,000 megawatts.

TVA says another peak demand will happen again Thursday morning with electric loads peaking around 32,400 megawatts.

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