Japan’s Shimizu Corporation proposes “Lunar Ring”; To power Earth with Moon-based solar energy

A Japanese construction firm, Shimizu Corporation, has unveiled a ambitious plan to build an 11,000 km-long solar power plant belt around the Moon’s equator, known as the “Lunar Ring”. This megastructure would harness solar energy and beam it back to Earth as microwaves, providing a virtually unlimited source of clean energy.

The Lunar Ring would be constructed by robots using lunar soil, minimizing the need for Earth-based materials. The facility would collect sunlight 24/7, unaffected by weather or atmospheric interference, and transmit energy to Earth via microwave beams. This concept, while sounding like science fiction, is based on existing technology, with the main challenge being scalability and cost.

The proposed project could generate up to 13,000 terawatts of power, far exceeding global energy demands. If successful, it could revolutionize the world’s energy landscape, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

However, significant hurdles remain, including the high cost of construction, technological limitations, and international cooperation. Shimizu Corporation aims to begin construction by 2035, but the project remains conceptual, with no concrete plans or funding secured.