Japanese scientists have successfully transmitted energy wirelessly in a breakthrough that could pave the way for space-based solar power systems . Mitsubishi researchers used microwaves to deliver 1.8 kilowatts of power - enough to run an electric kettle - through the air with pinpoint accuracy to a receiver 170ft ( 55 metres ) away . While the distance was relatively small , the technology could someday pave the way for mankind to tap the vast amount of solar energy available in space and use it here on Earth . Japanese scientists say they have successfully transmitted energy wirelessly in a breakthrough for future solar space power systems . While the distance was relatively small , the technology could someday pave the way for mankind to tap the vast amount of solar energy available in space and use it here on Earth . 'This was the first time anyone has managed to send a high output of nearly two kilowatts of electric power via microwaves to a small target , using a delicate directivity control device , ' said a spokesman for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( Jaxa ) said . The test , which took place at Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagoya , Japan , will help Jaxa devise its long-awaited space solar power system . Solar power generation in space has many advantages over its Earth-based cousin , notably the permanent availability of energy , regardless of weather or time of day . While man-made satellites , such as the International Space Station , have long since been able to use the solar energy that washes over them from the sun , getting that power down to Earth where people can use it has been the thing of science fiction . The test , which took place at Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagoya , Japan , will help Jaxa devise its long-awaited space solar power system . Mitsubishi used microwaves to deliver 1.8 kilowatts of power - enough to run an electric kettle - through the air with pinpoint accuracy to a receiver ( right ) 170ft ( 55 metres ) away . In a separate project , a Japanese firm last year revealed plans to cover the moon in a huge swathe of solar panels and use them to power homes here on Earth . But the Japanese research offers the possibility that humans will one day be able to farm an inexhaustible source of energy in space . The idea , said the Jaxa spokesman , would be for microwave-transmitting solar satellites - which would have sunlight-gathering panels and antennae - to be set up about 22,300 miles ( 36,000km ) from the Earth . 'But it could take decades before we see practical application of the technology - maybe in the 2040s or later , ' he said . 'There are a number of challenges to overcome , such as how to send huge structures into space , how to construct them and how to maintain them . ' The idea of space-based solar power generation emerged among US researchers in the 1960s and Japan 's SSPS programme , chiefly financed by the industry ministry , started in 2009 , he said . Space-based solar power – once the stuff of science-fiction – could be available sooner than expected if Japan has its way . Solar power has had a difficult start on Earth thanks to inefficient panels and high costs . But in space , scientists believe it could transform the way we generate energy . Now , the space-based solar power – once the stuff of science-fiction – could be available sooner than expected if Japan has its way . Within 25 years , the country plans to make space-based solar power a reality , according to a proposal from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( Jaxa ) . In a recent IEEE article by Susumu Sasaki , a professor emeritus at Jaxa , outlined the agency 's plans create a 1.8 mile long ( 3 km ) man-made island in the harbour of Tokyo Bay . The island would be studded with 5 billion antennas working together to convert microwave energy into electricity . The microwaves would be beamed down from a number of giant solar collectors in orbit 22,400 miles ( 36,000 km ) above the Earth . Resource-poor Japan has to import huge amounts of fossil fuel . It has become substantially more dependent on these imports as its nuclear power industry shut down in the aftermath of the disaster at Fukushima in 2011 . In a separate project , a Japanese firm last year revealed plans to cover the moon in a huge swathe of solar panels and use them to power homes here on Earth . Shimizu Corporation 's Luna Ring project would stretch almost 6,790 miles ( 11,000km ) around the moon 's equator and a field of solar panels would form a belt . Energy captured by these panels would then be sent to Earth using microwaves and laser lights could be beamed directly to countries where it is needed . According to the plans , the project would produce around 13,000 terrawatts of continuous solar energy . At present , the world 's population consumes about 15 terawatts of power each year . The company claims the plans would not only provide an 'almost inexhaustible ' energy supply , it would stop the rise of global warming caused by carbon dioxide from current energy sources . Shimizu Corporation 's Luna Ring project would stretch almost 6,790 miles ( 11,000km ) around the moon 's equator and a field of solar panels would form a belt .
Microwaves delivered 1.8 kw of power - enough to run an electric kettle . Power was sent through the air with to a receiver 170ft ( 55 metres ) away . Technology may someday help tap vast solar energy available in space . Jaxa 's plan is to eventually have sunlight-gathering panels and antennae set up 36,000km ( about 22,300 miles ) from the Earth .