Microwave Power Link Transmits 2.4 MW at 5.8 GHz Over 18 km

The demonstration used a 12 m transmit aperture and 22 m receive array sited on former Bonneville Project rights-of-way. Rectenna DC output fed a 13.8 kV collector that directly coupled to an existing 115 kV feeder without new substations. Measured beam steering kept pointing loss under 1.2 dB during 40 km/h winds. End-to-end data matched 2023 JAXA orbital-power models scaled for atmospheric loss at 150 m elevation.

Columbia River hydro output currently moves through 500 kV AC lines whose congestion limits summer exports by 1.8 GW. The microwave path bypasses two constrained corridors and delivers power inside the same hour-ahead market window. Capital cost per MW-km sits at $1.9 million versus $4.1 million for new 230 kV overhead line on the same route according to 2024 WECC transmission cost workbook.

Regulatory filings show the project obtained experimental license under FCC Part 18 rather than full Part 101 fixed microwave rules, shortening environmental review by 11 months. Safety calculations submitted to OSHA used IEEE C95.1-2019 limits and showed maximum exposure 0.3 percent of the occupational ceiling at ground level. Next phase targets 10 MW continuous operation with GaN amplifiers now in qualification at 65 percent PAE.

Operational integration requires only a new revenue meter at the rectenna and SCADA points at existing hydro governors. No new transmission operator entity is required under current NERC definitions.