Dubai: Sunlight after dark? This entrepreneur wants to make solar energy limitless

Khaleej Times

11-02-2025

Imagine a city that never dims, where factories hum with life even in the darkest hours and agricultural lands thrive under an endless sun. Picture a joystick controlling sunlight, reflecting it on demand at any moment. "We sell sunlight after dark," boldly declared Ben Nowack, co-founder and CEO of Reflect Orbital.
In January, Nowack showcased this innovative concept in a meeting with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. When asked about Sheikh Hamdan's reaction, 'It was very positive,' Nowack told Khaleej Times on the second day of the World Government Summit.
For the UAE, a nation already investing heavily in solar energy and sustainability, Nowack believes that Reflect Orbital's technology could be a 'game-changer'. With its ambitious Vision 2021 and sustainability goals, the ability to harness sunlight beyond daylight hours aligns perfectly with the UAE's commitment to renewable energy. Nowack emphasised, "In Dubai, we could extend solar efficiency into the night, powering skyscrapers and industries long after the sun sets."
Nowack explained how his pioneering venture aims to illuminate urban landscapes, combat depression in sun-deprived cities, and revolutionise agriculture with a product that could essentially be described as "sunlight in a bottle." These innovations promise to ensure that sunlight reaches solar storage facilities even at night, effectively eliminating the challenges posed by the absence of daylight.
Reflecting on his experiences, Nowack stated, "Every society and civilisation reaches a tipping point where innovation meets necessity. We are in one of those transformative times, driven by rapid technological change." He elaborated on the potential of this technology to reshape industries and enhance lives.
But what does this mean for individuals? Nowack clarified that while the initial focus might be on larger-scale implementations, there is a vision for personal usage as well. "Imagine being able to purchase sunlight for your home during the dark winter months — perfect for those struggling with seasonal depression," he said. This concept extends to various sectors, from construction to agriculture, where the ability to access sunlight on demand could change the game entirely.
Nowack's approach raises questions about accessibility and regulation. "It's a case-by-case basis," he explained. "We're working with government leaders to ensure compliance and responsible distribution." He discussed potential applications — from illuminating construction sites to enhancing agricultural productivity.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Nowack emphasised that this technology could be pivotal in transitioning the world away from fossil fuels. "We are on the brink of becoming a Type II civilisation, one that harnesses the energy of the sun rather than depleting our planet's resources," he concluded.
Nowack, an innovator who thrives on tackling the impossible, has spent years challenging traditional energy paradigms. His fascination with energy consumption and sustainability led him to an extraordinary realisation: Moving sunlight is not only possible but immensely valuable. 'I used a megawatt-hour of electricity in a single month just experimenting, building steam engines, freeze-dryers, and even my own mirrors,' Nowack shared. 'And then it hit me — what if I'm part of the problem? What if the energy crisis isn't just about generation but about availability?'
Instead of accepting the limitations of traditional solar energy — which ceases production at night — Nowack envisioned an infrastructure where satellites equipped with reflective mirrors capture sunlight in space and beam it down to solar farms across the planet. The concept isn't entirely new. In 1992, Russian scientists successfully tested a 20-metre space reflector to illuminate the Earth. Nowack and his team have taken this vision further, integrating modern materials and scalable technology to create a dynamic system capable of delivering concentrated sunlight to any location on demand.
Reflect Orbital's system operates using fleets of lightweight, deployable mirrors in low-Earth orbit. By strategically positioning them, they can direct beams of sunlight onto designated areas, illuminating solar farms or urban spaces without the need for complex energy storage solutions. The technology allows for instantaneous adjustments, meaning that within 30 seconds, a bright spot of light can be redirected anywhere within an 800-kilometre radius.
'The sun already provides 5,000 times more energy than humanity has ever consumed,' Nowack noted. 'The challenge isn't generating power; it's getting it where it's needed, when it's needed. This is about making solar limitless.'