Laser wireless power transmission, once commercialized, could deliver electricity to remote and diverse locations. (courtesy of NTT)
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On September 17, NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced that they had successfully conducted a demonstration of "wireless laser power transmission."
The experiment delivered energy via laser beams to a ground location one kilometer away, achieving the world's highest efficiency to date.
They aim to extend transmission over even longer distances. The technology could be applied, for example, to supply power to remote islands where laying cables is difficult, and to disaster-stricken areas where power infrastructure has been lost.
In the future, it may also be possible to transmit electricity in space or deliver power directly to moving devices, such as unmanned drones.
Successful Laser Power Test
The latest experiment, conducted from January to February 2025 at Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama Prefecture, used a 1-kilowatt laser beam to generate 152 watts of electricity at a device located one kilometer away.
This achievement represents the world's highest efficiency on the ground, where atmospheric turbulence poses a significant challenge. It also demonstrated a continuous power supply for 30 minutes, confirming stable electricity generation.
At ground level, strong atmospheric turbulence makes it difficult to direct laser light uniformly onto devices that convert it into electricity. The turbulence reduces power generation efficiency.
NTT managed the light-emitting device, employing technology to shape the laser beam for consistent delivery over long distances. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries designed the light-receiving device, helping to stabilize the output.
Power Beyond Limits
The experimental result suggests that wireless power transmission over several kilometers is becoming increasingly feasible.
Using a photoelectric conversion device optimized for the laser's wavelength could further enhance power transmission efficiency. The technology can supply electricity to disaster-stricken areas where infrastructure has been lost and to remote islands without power lines.
Applied to aviation, it could enable aircraft, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and drones to maintain continuous flight.
Moreover, it could transmit energy from space-based solar power to Earth. It could also charge lunar rovers exploring the moon's far side, where sunlight never reaches, raising expectations for accelerated space development.
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Author: Katsutoshi Takagi, The Sankei Shimbun
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