The US military’s DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has set a new world record for wireless energy transmission, beaming 800 watts of power across 8.6 kilometres using infrared laser technology.

Last month’s demonstration, which was part of DARPA’s Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program, far exceeds past benchmarks and marks a major leap in long-range, wireless energy delivery.

Conducted at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the test used a high-powered laser and a custom-built receiver developed by Teravec Technologies.

In a 30-second pulse, energy was focused via a parabolic mirror onto specialised photovoltaic cells, achieving a 20% conversion efficiency, which is enough to power a microwave or a small fridge.

In a nod to sci-fi film Real Genius, some of the energy was even used to pop popcorn.

DARPA’s system incorporates adaptive optics and real-time beam steering to counteract atmospheric turbulence – key to maintaining laser focus over long distances.

This approach differs from microwave-based alternatives like Emrod’s short-range systems or PowerLight’s 1-km, 400-watt laser transmission, as DARPA aims to maximise range first and efficiency later.

Phase 1 focused on proving the concept under realistic field conditions using off-the-shelf components.

DARPA is now setting its sights higher.

By 2027, it plans to beam 10 kilowatts over 200 kilometres – potentially from airborne relays – to supply energy to drones, remote bases, or even future off-grid data centres.

DARPA’s breakthrough could pave the way for delivering energy anywhere without wires, fuel convoys or costly infrastructure.