The Project
Simply put, the project is to build a ring of solar panels around the planet. This ring will rotate in a latitudinal orbit, and with a slow longitudinal spin to face the sun throughout the year. The constant stream of energy collected by the ring will then be transferred to the Earth by space elevators and microwave transmissions, eventually fulfilling the vast majority of gloabal energy needs.

The Practicality
This is about as practical as a muslim lesbian landing on the moon. Or: the barriers are far less physical than political. The basic engineering and construction for this project are complicated, but not insurmountable. The more complicated project is to gather the economic and political capital for the project. Once this capital is acheived, the project will be realised to the enormous moral and economic benefit of those with the forsight to be early participants.

The Price
11-15 trillian dollars for an initial ring one meter wide. The following layers of rings, radiating outward, will cost a further half trillian dollars each, but can be payed for by the energy provided by the primary ring, as can further rings. Of course, at this stage in the project, any estimate will be rough and qualified, but the cost/benefit ratio of this project is extremely good for any energy collection project. As new technologies become available, the cost/benfit scenario will become spectacular. When you begin to factor in the environmental and political benefits, the utter necessity of the project becomes clear.

The Politics
The management, control and regulation of what would eventually be the primary source of usable power is an important matter to address early on. In order to insure fair pricing and global balance, no fewer than 1,441 companies will be allowed to indepenently manage the energy production and distribuition, and no more than ten percent of the companies can come from any single country, though all companies can operate internationally. Finally, an international body of democratically elected officials will police the companies to insure transparency and prevent price fixing.

The Producers
Existing corporations, governments, funds, and individuals are all encouraged to participate in the development of this project. These entities will create a coordinating body for the construction of the project. Once parts of the ring are producing energy, those units of energy production, along with their maintenance and permissions will be auctioned off according to the rules of the project, to the profit of the intitial investors.

Particiaption
This is an open source project, in it's initial phase. Everyone can help. Engineers can lend ideas and notes to the project. Lawyers can draft initial agreements. Investors can promise an investment. Scientists can offer advice and forsee problems. Politicians can lend their support. Those working in media can publicize the project. We would love to hear from anyone and everyone who has something to offer. Simply click the respond link at the bottom of any page, and put 'we can do it' in the subject line. We will put all thoughtful comments, positive, negative, and costructive on this site where it fits best.