It is the purpose of this paper to give an overview on the concept of a hydrogen economy, in which hydrogen (H2) is envisaged as energy carrier for power, heat and transportation purposes. The motivations for a transition to a hydrogen economy are discussed. Furthermore, the potential role of solar power satellites (SPS) for the production of renewable hydrogen is presented. SPS-to-H2 systems are discussed alongside with other hydrogen production vectors regarding the parameters cost, efficiency and specific CO2 emissions. From the discussions therein, it can be concluded that hydrogen and fuel cells are promising technologies which offer economical opportunities, customer benefits and which are environmentally sound provided that they are based on renewable hydrogen in the mid to long-term future. Solar power satellite systems could generate renewable hydrogen at potentially high capacity factors ('firm power') provided that cost and performance targets are met. In terms of production costs, SPS systems could then be competitive. However, the major hurdle to economic viability is space transportation. Regarding the specific energy effort to generate hydrogen for transportation purposes including grey energies, SPS could be in the lower range of other renewable and fossil primary energies. Here, results are sensitive towards the system architecture as well as space transportation. Life-cycle emissions attributed to SPS-to-H2 systems could not be derived. The certainty of the result would be low as details in the system design remain subject to further in-depth investigations. Not discussed are general important issues such as economic, political and environmental risks which certainly influence further development of SPS.


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