Munich tests superconductor cables for energy transmission
Innovative technology to reduce energy losses and advance the energy transition in cities
14.11.2024
Test operation of an innovative high-temperature superconductor cable has begun in Munich. A 15-kilometer-long superconducting cable is being developed and tested as part of the "SuperLink" research project. The first 150 meters of the project have now been put into operation under real conditions to test the functionality and suitability of this technology for everyday use.
Dr. Robert Prinz, Head of the Electricity Infrastructure Planning Department at Stadtwerke München, emphasizes the importance of this milestone: "It proves that a 110 kilovolt high-temperature superconductor cable can be used under real inner-city construction conditions."
The test phase will continue until spring 2025, after which it is planned to lay the world's first commercial high-voltage superconductor in Munich. "The SuperLink cable is an innovative resource that can significantly advance grid expansion and the energy transition. I am delighted that this is happening in Germany and that we can make our contribution with the superconductor," says Dr. Werner Prusseit, Managing Director of THEVA.
High-temperature superconductor technology is characterized by the fact that it can transport large amounts of electrical energy almost loss-free. Unlike conventional cables, no electromagnetic fields are generated and the line is particularly suitable for dense urban areas. "For the system to work, the ceramic cable used here has to be cooled down to around minus 200 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen. Despite the necessary cooling, the cable is still extremely compact and is therefore ideal for densely built-up areas," explains Peter Michalek, project coordinator at Stadtwerke München.
In addition to its high efficiency, superconductor technology offers ecological advantages: it can reduce the number of cable routes required and minimize power losses, which can contribute to a better carbon footprint in the long term. The successful implementation of the project could create the basis for a more sustainable and future-proof energy infrastructure in urban areas.
