https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/swiss-satellite-antennas-make-comeback-solar-powerhouses-2023-10-19/

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  * Climate & Energy
  * Grid & Infrastructure
  * Clean Energy

Swiss satellite antennas make a comeback as solar powerhouses

By Denis Balibouse
October 19, 202312:51 PM UTCUpdated ago

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LEUK, Switzerland, Oct 19 (Reuters) - High in the Alps, two Swiss
companies are repurposing obsolete satellite antennas into giant
solar panels, taking advantage of Switzerland's mountainous terrain
to generate much-needed green energy.
The installation is the second of its kind in the town of Leuk in the
Valais canton to turn an old antenna into an energy powerhouse.
Its mountainous location means the solar panels will get more direct
sunlight, especially in winter, than if they were installed near
mistier, low-lying urban areas.
"Former satellite antennas are ideal as solar energy systems," said
CKW Group, the energy services provider that assisted Leuk Teleport
and Data Center with the repurposing of its antenna.
"They can be flexibly aligned with the sun and thus generate more
electricity than conventional solar panels."
Employees of local electricity producer CKW install solar panels in a
satellite dish in Leuk
An employee of local electricity producer CKW installs solar panels
in a satellite dish in Leuk
Employees of local electricity producer CKW install solar panels in a
satellite dish in Leuk
Employees of local electricity producer CKW install solar panels in a
satellite dish in Leuk
Employees of local electricity producer CKW install solar panels in a
satellite dish in Leuk
Item 1 of 5 Employees of Swiss electricity producer and supplier CKW,
part of Axpo, install solar panels in a satellite dish at the Leuk
Teleport and Data Center in Leuk, Switzerland.  REUTERS/Denis
Balibouse
[1/5]Employees of Swiss electricity producer and supplier CKW, part
of Axpo, install solar panels in a satellite dish at the Leuk
Teleport and Data Center in Leuk, Switzerland.  REUTERS/Denis
Balibouse Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
One antenna of the kind can meet the energy needs of 25 households,
according to CKW Group.
The antennas covered in solar panels, which resemble flying saucers,
measure 32 meters (105 ft) in diameter and are located some 1,000
meters above sea level, allowing them to receive an optimal level of
sunlight, even in winter.
In August last year the Swiss government launched a voluntary
campaign to urge consumers and businesses to conserve energy to
prevent shortages of gas and power.
Solar energy could prove to be part of the solution.
"Switzerland is facing a major challenge: by 2050, there will be a
shortfall of around 50 terawatt hours of electricity per year," said
Axpo Group, Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy which
owns CKW Group.
"Solar energy can make an important contribution to the power mix.

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Reporting by Denis Balibouse; editing by Miral Fahmy

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[9b55daea-d]
Denis Balibouse

Thomson Reuters

Award winning photographer based in Switzerland with over 30 years of
experience in coverage of local and international news and sports
events including Olympic Games.

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