Case study in Reunion Island

This paper presents the status of a case study that is being carried in Reunion Island, France, to investigate the opportunity to use a point-to-point wireless power transmission link to deliver electricity to a small isolated village called Grand-Bassin. The different steps followed since this case study was first started are briefly reminded. The last stage consisting in the development of an indoor industrial prototype is presented. Perspectives are given towards the emergence of a semi-private organization whose first role would be to evaluate the viability of the concept of using WPT as a way to extend the conventional electricity grid in order to provide energy to remote places not only in Reunion Island, but in many places around the world. This organization would also have as a role, to head the industrial engineering and development of point-to-point WPT prototype equipment. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.