Building Power Stations in Space: Space Solar PT1

Episode 21 of the EIC Podcasts podcast, hosted by EIC (Energy Industries Council), titled "Building Power Stations in Space: Space Solar PT1 " was published on January 26, 2026 and runs 45 minutes.

January 26, 2026 ·45m · EIC Podcasts

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Summary

In This Episode Our host, Stuart Broadley, sits down with Martin Soltau and David Homfray, co-founders of Space Solar, for a special two-part edition of the EIC Clearly podcast.In Part One, Stuart, Martin, and David explore why space-based solar power is no longer a distant concept, but a near-term solution enabled by the commercialisation of reusable rocket launches. They unpack how Space Solar’s technology collects solar energy in orbit and wirelessly transmits it to Earth as firm, dispatchable, low-emission baseload power, and why this could become one of the most cost-competitive energy sources available.The conversation also delves into the role of robotics and modular assembly in space, as well as the strategic value of space solar for energy security and sovereignty. Drawing on David’s background in fusion energy, the episode offers a candid comparison between fusion and space solar, explaining why space solar presents a faster, more scalable pathway to meeting growing global energy demand.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operatesinternationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore EIC membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn about EIC Consult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]

Episode Description

In This Episode

Our host, Stuart Broadley, sits down with Martin Soltau and David Homfray, co-founders of Space Solar, for a special two-part edition of the EIC Clearly podcast.

In Part One, Stuart, Martin, and David explore why space-based solar power is no longer a distant concept, but a near-term solution enabled by the commercialisation of reusable rocket launches. They unpack how Space Solar’s technology collects solar energy in orbit and wirelessly transmits it to Earth as firm, dispatchable, low-emission baseload power, and why this could become one of the most cost-competitive energy sources available.

The conversation also delves into the role of robotics and modular assembly in space, as well as the strategic value of space solar for energy security and sovereignty. Drawing on David’s background in fusion energy, the episode offers a candid comparison between fusion and space solar, explaining why space solar presents a faster, more scalable pathway to meeting growing global energy demand.

What Is the EIC?

The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operatesinternationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.

It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.

EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.

Stay Connected with EIC

Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]