China proposes building a giant laser power station on the moon

According to the project's authors, such technology could provide electricity for future lunar bases even during long periods of darkness.

In Brief

·        Chinese researchers have proposed building a laser energy tower at the Moon's south pole.

·        Energy would be transmitted wirelessly using laser radiation.

·        The project aims to solve the power supply problem for lunar bases during extended lunar nights.

·        The concept is designed for use within the future International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

·        For now, it is a scientific development; practical implementation will require solving a number of technical challenges.

Why the Energy Problem Exists on the Moon

One of the main difficulties in establishing a permanent base on the Moon is power supply.

A lunar day lasts about 14 Earth days, followed by an equally long night. During this period, solar panels almost stop generating electricity, and using batteries to power large facilities is limited.

This problem is especially acute for the Moon's south pole region, which is considered the most promising location for future research bases due to suspected water ice deposits.

How the Laser Tower Will Work

The project's authors propose placing the energy tower on an elevated area where sunlight lasts significantly longer than in surrounding regions.

The system will convert the generated electricity into laser radiation and direct it to remote receiving stations equipped with photovoltaic converters.

Thus, energy could be transmitted without cables over distances of several kilometers, powering scientific modules, robotic equipment, and other infrastructure.

According to the researchers' calculations, such a scheme could significantly improve the reliability of power supply for a future lunar base.

Part of a Broader Lunar Program

The concept is considered one of the possible elements of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) — a joint project between China and Russia, which is gradually attracting interest from other countries.

In parallel, China is implementing its own lunar exploration program, which includes delivering new robotic spacecraft, building infrastructure on the Moon's surface, and preparing for crewed missions.

The energy system based on laser transmission is seen as one option for ensuring the autonomous operation of future facilities.

Why the Idea Is Considered Promising

Laser energy transmission is already being studied on Earth for various tasks, from powering drones to delivering energy to remote areas.

The Moon could become the first site where such technology proves economically viable. The absence of an atmosphere reduces laser beam losses, and the complex terrain makes laying cables less convenient.

At the same time, scientists acknowledge that before practical implementation, issues of energy conversion efficiency, laser targeting accuracy, and equipment protection must be resolved.

What This Means for Kazakhstan

Although the project is space-related, it reflects a broader global trend — the search for new ways to store and transmit energy.

Earlier, Hunn.kz reported on developments that could transform the energy industry, including the world's largest sand battery in Finland, designed for long-term thermal energy storage.

Both developments share one idea: the future of energy depends not only on how energy is produced but also on the ability to efficiently store, transport, and use it where needed.

Author's Conclusion

Not long ago, wireless energy transmission using a laser was seen as science fiction. Today, such technologies are beginning to be considered as real engineering solutions for lunar exploration. Even if the Chinese concept is not implemented in the coming years, it shows how rapidly ideas about future energy infrastructure are changing — first in space, and then, perhaps, on Earth.