The cooperative work of an international task team has resulted in suitable solutions for most of the technical problems in Grand Bassin Case Study, established in 1994 to evaluate the possibilities of providing electrical energy to a group of mountain homes by means of a microwave beam system similar to a SPS energy transportation system.

This case study has brought the attention to the environmental aspects and public acceptance of such systems since the main challenge was to integrate the system in harmony with the general environment of the mountain canyon. Low cost of implementation and operation were also key constraints. It was found that the physical characteristics associated with the 122 mm wavelength of the microwaves system were helpful in meeting the challenges. Although eventually important, the overall technical efficiency of the system was thought to be a secondary problem for the time being.