Japan plans giant 11,000 km solar ring around the Moon to send clean energy to Earth

The proposed solar ring would stretch nearly 11,000 kilometres along the Moon’s equator. The company said that the system could collect solar energy continuously and transmit it to Earth using microwaves or laser beams. Special receiving stations on Earth, called rectennas, would convert the signals back into electricity for public use.

The project claims to provide a nearly limitless source of clean energy and reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels like coal and oil. According to the proposal, the system could generate far more electricity than current global energy demand.

Unlike Earth, the Moon has no atmosphere, clouds, or bad weather, allowing solar panels to receive sunlight almost continuously. 

The idea gained attention in Japan after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as the country began exploring alternative energy solutions. Some early discussions suggested construction could begin in the mid 2030s.

However, the Luna Ring is still only a concept and has not received official support from governments or space agencies such as NASA or JAXA. Building infrastructure in space, and safely sending energy across the 3,84,000 kilometre distance between the Moon and Earth, could prove to be an expensive challenge.

Scientists also say that advanced robots and artificial intelligence would be needed to build and maintain the massive solar ring on the Moon .