Special Issue on Wireless Energy Transfer Solutions for Sustainable Connectivity Infrastructure from Space to Ground for 6G Submission Date: 2025-10-15 The evolution of 6G will transform global connectivity, supporting applications like global broadband, real-time data sharing, and autonomous systems. These applications will significantly increase energy consumption due to their complexity. Key factors include the need for efficient connectivity across high-mobility platforms (UAVs, HAPS, and space-based systems), advanced communication technologies (massive MIMO, mmWave, THz), and data-intensive applications (AI-driven network management, real-time processing). Additionally, the explosion in device density, from low-power IoT sensors to high-power communication devices, will further drive diverse energy demands, highlighting the critical need for continuous power supply in 6G networks.

However, current power solutions for these networks face significant limitations. Aerial, space-based, and terrestrial platforms are often constrained by limited onboard energy storage, requiring frequent recharging, refueling, or battery replacements that disrupt continuous operation. Solar energy, while commonly utilized, remains intermittent due to factors such as night cycles, adverse weather conditions, and geographic limitations—especially in high-latitude regions or during extended nighttime periods. Moreover, the dependence on terrestrial infrastructure for refueling or power resupply adds logistical complexity and cost, particularly for platforms operating in remote or high-altitude environments where consistent access to charging stations is limited. Recent advances in high-power wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies, such as laser and RF-based power beaming, offer promising solutions by enabling the wireless delivery of substantial power. These solutions can significantly extend operational duration, enhance platform capabilities, and reduce reliance on traditional energy storage methods. Nevertheless, integrating wireless power transfer (WPT) with communication systems in dynamic 6G networks presents challenges such as interference between energy and data signals, beam alignment, and energy delivery due to high mobility and varying distances. Unlike low-power SWIPT, high-power WPT can disrupt data integrity. Additionally, high-power beams pose safety and security risks, requiring secure transmission protocols and robust safety measures to address these concerns.

This special issue will focus on aspects of the technological, operational, and safety challenges associated with wireless energy transfer in integrated communication systems across global networks for sustainable connectivity. We solicit high-quality original research papers on topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

WPT System Design for Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Networks

Advanced Power Beaming Techniques for 6G Applications from Space to Ground

Sustainable Power Distribution Using Solar and WPT for 6G Networks

Integration of Space-Based Solar Power for 6G Connectivity

Co-Optimization of Energy Harvesting and Battery Management for Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Devices

Self-Sustaining Power Systems for Long-Endurance Platforms

High-Efficiency Energy Harvesting and Conversion Strategies

Energy-Efficient Modulation and Coding Schemes for High-Power WPT

Integration of Solar Energy with Wireless Power Transfer

Coexistence of High-Power WPT and Data Signals

Green Communication Protocols for WPT-Enabled Networks

Safety Protocols for High-Power Beams in Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Environments for 6G

Security and Privacy in Dual-Use WPT and Communication Systems for 6G

Experimental Prototyping and Testbeds for WPT-Enabled Communication Networks

Utilization of Ground and Space-Based Solar Power Stations for Continuous WPT

Integrated Satellite-Aerial-Ground Networks for Integrated Energy and Information Services

Environmental Impact Assessment of High-Power Beaming

Semantic Communication for Efficient Data Transfer in WPT Systems

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for WPT Systems

AI-Enhanced Wireless Power Transfer Solutions for 6G Connectivity

RIS for Wireless Power Transfer in Terrestrial/Aerial/Space Networks