NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Wireless Power Breakthrough: A Catalyst for Next-Gen Energy Infrastructure Investment

The recent collaboration between NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has pushed the boundaries of long-distance wireless power transmission, achieving a world-record efficiency of 15% under atmospheric turbulence. By transmitting 1 kW of power over 1 km and receiving 152 W at the destination, the duo demonstrated a critical step toward flexible, on-demand energy delivery systems. This breakthrough, enabled by beam shaping and output current leveling technologies, addresses longstanding challenges in atmospheric interference and power loss, positioning wireless power as a viable solution for disaster-stricken areas, remote islands, and even space-based infrastructure NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Achieved World's Highest Efficiency in Laser Wireless Power Transmission under Atmospheric Turbulence^[1].

Market Potential and Strategic Applications

The global wireless power transmission (WPT) market is poised for exponential growth, with projections indicating a surge from USD 14.14 billion in 2023 to USD 39.54 billion by 2032, driven by a 12.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) Wireless Power Transmission Market to Hit USD 39.54 Billion by 2032^[2]. NTT and MHI's demonstration aligns with this trajectory, particularly in sectors demanding resilient energy solutions. For instance, the technology's potential to power lunar rovers or space data centers ties directly to NTT's broader Constellation 89 (C89) project, which aims to expand space-based communications and energy systems NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Demonstrate World-Record Optical Wireless Power Transmission^[3]. Similarly, MHI's recent investment in Sapphire Technologies—a firm developing modular power generation using turboexpander technology—underscores its commitment to diversifying carbon-neutral energy solutions Sapphire Technologies Secures $18 Million Series C to Accelerate Growth^[4].

Investor interest in wireless power is further amplified by its applicability to electric vehicles (EVs) and smart infrastructure. With global EV stock projected to reach 145 million by 2030, the demand for efficient, long-range charging solutions is escalating. NTT's integration of AI-powered adaptive resonance control, which reduces power transfer losses and enables dynamic charging at distances of 2–5 meters, exemplifies how technological innovation is closing the gap between theoretical efficiency and real-world scalability AI News: Japanese Wireless Power Breakthrough 2025^[5].

Investor Reactions and Market Shifts

While direct investor reactions to NTT and MHI's 2025 breakthrough remain underreported, broader market trends suggest growing confidence in wireless power. MHI's first-quarter FY2025 financial results highlighted a 12% year-on-year revenue increase, driven by its Energy Systems and Aircraft, Defense & Space segments Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | Financial Results^[6]. Meanwhile, NTT's focus on IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network)—a next-generation infrastructure combining high-speed communications with low power consumption—has bolstered its competitive edge in the global data center and AI markets IOWN｜NTT R&D Website^[7].

The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, is emerging as a hub for wireless power innovation. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has prioritized wireless energy solutions as part of its decarbonization strategy, while firms like Panasonic and Toshiba are advancing resonant inductive coupling for consumer electronics. This ecosystem of public and private investment positions Japan to export its wireless power expertise, potentially reshaping global energy standards Japanese Power Breakthrough Could Be 'Step Toward a Fully Wireless Society'^[8].

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the progress, challenges persist. The 15% efficiency achieved by NTT and MHI remains below the thresholds required for large-scale commercialization, and atmospheric turbulence continues to limit reliability. However, ongoing research into higher-power laser sources and advanced materials—such as metamaterials for beam focusing—could address these limitations.

Conclusion

NTT and MHI's breakthrough is more than a technical milestone—it is a catalyst for reimagining energy infrastructure. By demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance wireless power in real-world conditions, they have validated a technology that could democratize access to electricity in underserved regions while accelerating the transition to sustainable systems. For investors, the convergence of AI, optical networks, and wireless power presents a compelling opportunity, particularly as global demand for resilient, on-demand energy solutions intensifies.