ESA’s 35-metre antenna in Australia has now been powered by the Sun for over a year, cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions by 330 tonnes.
<p>The solar plant at the New Norcia station in Western Australia started its first full month catching solar rays in August 2017. One year later, it had produced 470 Megawatt-hours of power, fuelling 34% of the total electricity consumption of the station.
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In order for the tracking station to be powered 100% by renewable energy, more panels would be required. Other sources of energy could also be used such as kite power, hydrogen or geothermal energy.
European Space Agency
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