Transmitting energy to a target kilometers away without the need for cables is no longer science fiction. The U.S. Department of Defense achieved a record-breaking 8.6 km in its latest test.
DARPA Achieves Record in Wireless Power Transmission
In a groundbreaking development in remote energy transfer, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has opened a new era in wireless power transmission. Under its POWER (Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay) program, DARPA successfully transmitted 800 watts of power over a distance of 8.6 kilometers in a test conducted on June 15, 2025. This historic test marks the longest-range high-power wireless energy transfer to date.
The core of the test involved a ground station developed by Teravec Technologies in just three months. An infrared laser beam was precisely focused on the target despite atmospheric conditions and converted into electricity via specially designed photovoltaic cells. With the help of a parabolic mirror to focus the beam, the energy conversion efficiency reached approximately 20%. In just 30 seconds, over 1 megajoule of energy was successfully transferred. To demonstrate the system’s performance, even some popcorn was popped during the experiment.
The critical factor distinguishing this achievement from previous attempts was that the transmission was accomplished not only at high power but also over a long distance. To prevent the laser beam from being affected by atmospheric fluctuations, the system utilized adaptive optics and precise pointing mechanisms. Previously, a 400-watt laser had been operated for 12 hours over a 1-kilometer range. This time, DARPA prioritized range over duration.
The first phase of the project has been completed at the White Sands Missile Range. Attention now turns to the second phase. By 2027, the goal is to transmit 10 kilowatts of energy over a distance of 200 kilometers. Furthermore, air-to-air energy transfer is also on the agenda. This could make it possible to send energy to remote bases, unmanned aerial vehicles, or isolated data centers.
What potential applications do you envision for this long-range wireless power transmission technology beyond military uses?
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