Researchers at Durham University are taking part in a £5.3 million project to develop a laser power system that could allow high-altitude aircraft to operate continuously without frequent landings or refuelling.
The project, announced on 22 September 2026, has received funding from the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) through its Enduring Atmospheric Platforms (EndAP) programme. Durham’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is working with Scalable Laser Limited and the University of Glasgow on the initiative.
How the laser power system would work
The project is developing an innovative system called LIVINGSTON, short for laser diodes and photo-voltaics for enduring atmospheric platform power beaming. It is intended to transmit electricity through the atmosphere using a laser beam rather than traditional power lines.
Under the proposed system, electricity would be converted into laser light and sent through the atmosphere. A receiver would then convert the light back into electricity. The technology could provide continuous power to drones and aeroplanes operating in the stratosphere, potentially reducing the need for them to land and refuel.
Researchers say the approach could also support future communications, monitoring and connectivity applications.
Durham team to lead ground-station design
Durham’s contribution will be led by Dr Cyril Bourgenot and will bring together expertise in opto-mechanical design, real-time control electronics, software development and ultra-precision machining.
The university’s specialists will lead the design and construction of the ground station. Its role will include developing front-end optics capable of directing high-intensity lasers towards a photovoltaic converter at distances of up to 25 kilometres while maintaining accurate tracking.
The system will use adaptive optics to correct, in real time, distortions caused by heat and atmospheric turbulence. A high-speed deformable mirror will make the correction, with the distortions measured using a reference beacon on the aircraft or other platform.
Project’s wider ambitions
LIVINGSTON combines three main technologies: a flat-panel laser for transmitting power over long distances, led by Scalable Laser; a highly efficient photovoltaic receiver, led by the University of Glasgow; and an advanced optical system in the ground station, led by Durham’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation.
If successful, the project could demonstrate a new approach to wireless energy transmission and help unlock future uses for stratospheric aircraft. The work forms part of ARIA’s Enduring Atmospheric Platforms programme, led by Programme Director Rico Chandra and backed by £70 million over three and a half years.
According to the university, 18 funded research and development teams are working on technologies intended to help aircraft operate reliably and cost-effectively in the stratosphere. The programme aims to support next-generation advanced communications and improve connectivity for underserved regions.