Laser Wireless Power Transmission Breakthrough Could Transform Remote Energy Delivery

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NTT Inc. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) have achieved a significant breakthrough in optical wireless power transmission, successfully transmitting energy over a distance of one kilometer using a laser beam. By employing a laser with an optical power of 1 kW, the team managed to receive 152 W of electric power, marking the highest efficiency for this technology to date. This advancement opens up possibilities for delivering power to remote locations, such as islands and disaster-stricken areas, where traditional power cables are impractical. The findings were published in the British magazine Electronics Letters on August 5, 2025.

The experiment utilized innovative techniques, including long-distance flat beam shaping and output current leveling technology, to enhance the efficiency of power transmission despite atmospheric turbulence. The collaboration between NTT and MHI not only demonstrates the feasibility of long-distance laser-based power delivery but also paves the way for future applications in various fields, including disaster response, mobile platforms like drones, and even space-based power systems. This technology could revolutionize energy delivery in challenging environments, providing a stable and efficient power supply where it is most needed.