About SUPER CONDUCTORS
Superconductors are advanced metallic compounds that, when cooled with liquid nitrogen, conduct electricity with nearly zero resistance. This enables ultra-low energy losses and exceptionally high power capacity. First developed in the 1980s, superconductors have been deployed for over 20 years in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Superconductors have several advantages over traditional conductors:
Very high current carrying capability, increasing MW transfer capacity by 5-10x;
Near zero resistance, enabling highly efficient power transfer at lower voltages, reducing substation build and cost, and lifetime losses;
No thermal restriction on placement of underground cables, enabling much smaller right-of-way and lower installation and permitting costs;
No thermal sag, and line sag does not vary with ambient weather conditions or exposure to elements;
Are at least 50% more energy efficient than ACSR conductors;
No EMF from superconducting cables, eliminating public health concerns and risk of interference with communications and data infrastructure.
Case study #1: superconductor project comed — chicago (2020)
Challenge: ComEd needed to increase urban grid reliability and transfer capacity without acquiring new land or disrupting dense infrastructure in downtown Chicago.
Solution: ComEd deployed the first commercial superconducting transmission cable in the U.S., connecting two substations through a compact, underground route using existing rights-of-way. The project serves as a scalable model, as ComEd plans to expand the project to additional substations
Case study #2: Munich Superlink — germany (expected 2026)
Challenge: Munich needed to upgrade capacity and reliability while minimizing visual, environmental, and construction impacts in a densely populated urban environment.
Solution: The city is building a 12 km, 110 kV superconducting transmission line that threads through existing narrow conduits (some only 150 mm wide) to connect its grid with the broader transmission system — with minimal surface disruption. Once complete, the project will deliver 500 MW, a 67% capacity increase over conventional designs