Overview of the US Department of Energy (DOE) high-temperature superconductivity program for large-scale applications

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) power equipment has the potential to become a key 21st century technology for improving the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of the electric delivery system. For example, higher-capacity HTS power lines could provide a new approach to building transmission and distribution systems that will reduce the footprint and allow additional capacity to be placed in service within existing rights-of-way. The U.S. Department of Energy has supported HTS research and development for almost 20 years. Two of its recent cable projects have been commissioned and are now powering over the equivalent of more than 61,000 homes.