From space to solar: looking for innovative solutions for more solar power

The highly topical Solar Park Innovation Challenge is now underway. The competition is looking for the most innovative ideas to use space data to solve one of solar power's biggest challenges - finding suitable land for large-scale production.

- We want to support the most promising new innovators, entrepreneurs and start-ups that want to contribute to a sustainable energy supply, both in Sweden and elsewhere," says Sammie Chimusoro, Business Coach at Innovatum Science Park.

Electricity, heating and transportation account for around 70% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce emissions, energy production needs to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. In the context of the climate crisis, this transition needs to happen quickly.

Space data could be the solution for establishing solar farms

Solar energy has great potential, but the challenge is to find suitable locations for large-scale installations. A variety of factors come into play, such as area, solar irradiation and land ownership. To get an overview of all factors, new digital tools are needed that can gather, combine and present information in an easily accessible way. Finding such a feasible solution using space data is the very purpose of the Solar Park Innovation Challenge.

- "Looking at the energy system, which is changing, we need to collaborate, think in new ways and dare to try things out in order to find solutions and streamline processes together. This type of innovation challenge has an important role to play in this work," says Anna Derneryd, project manager at West Sweden Energy Agency.

Business development and valuable networks

- It is an exciting initiative and a great opportunity for startups, innovators and entrepreneurs. The winner with the best idea will receive business development in Innovatum Science Park's incubator for startups and the opportunity to apply to the space incubator, ESA BIC (European Space Agency Business Incubation Center). This includes SEK 500,000 for product development, 80 hours of technical support and other great offers," concludes Sammie Chamusoro.

The innovation competition is a collaboration with West Sweden Energy Agency. The winner will also benefit from Energikontor Väst's expertise and network to validate and scale up their solution.

The resulting innovation idea will be used by solar park developers, municipalities and landowners, as well as investors and other stakeholders in the industry. The Solar Park Innovation Challenge starts on August 9 and runs until September 5.