US researchers have outlined a relatively simple system that could deliver power to devices such as laptop computers or MP3 players without wires.
The concept exploits century-old physics and could work over distances of many metres, the researchers said.
Although the team has not built and tested a system, computer models and mathematics suggest it will work.
Two new studies looking at the feasibility of space-based solar power - orbiting satellites that would serve as high-tech space dams - suggest the concept shouldn't be readily dismissed and could generate both Earth-bound and space-based benefits.
These "powersats" would catch the flood of energy flowing from the Sun and then pump it to Earth via laser or microwave beam. On earth it would be converted to electricity and fed into power grids to be tapped by terrestrial customers.
The thought of beaming energy to Earth via satellite was first brought to light in the late 1960s by Peter Glaser, a technologist at Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Into the 1970s and 1980s, the challenges of Space Solar Power (SSP) were reviewed numerous times. NASA, the Department of Energy, other government, industry and private groups have given the concept the once-over.
A team from the University of Tokyo are developing inductive power transfer methods that will allow charging of mobile devices without the hassle of wires.
Although such systems are already close to commercial roll-out, for example from UK-based Splashpower, the Japanese technology would seem to promise very thin and flexible charging mats that could be integrated into everyday materials.
Dr Takao Someya and Dr Takayasu Sakurai have used printed organic transistors and printed MEMS switches to create their 1mmm thick power sheet.
A product cheekily put on sale by ThinkGeek.com as an April's Fools joke is credited as building interest in the consumerization of Power Over Wireless.