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Superconducting transmission lines – Sustainable electric energy transfer with higher public acceptance?

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  • Thomas, Heiko
  • Marian, Adela
  • Chervyakov, Alexander
  • Stückrad, Stefan
  • Salmieri, Delia
  • Rubbia, Carlo

Abstract

Despite the extensive research and development investments into superconducting science and technology, both at the fundamental and at the applied levels, many benefits of superconducting transmission lines (SCTL) remain unknown to the public and decision makers at large. This paper aims at informing about the progress in this important research field. Superconducting transmission lines have a tremendous size advantage and lower total electrical losses for high capacity transmission plus a number of technological advantages compared to solutions based on standard conductors. This leads to a minimized environmental impact and enables an overall more sustainable transmission of electric energy. One of the direct benefits may be an increased public acceptance due to the low visual impact with a subsequent reduction of approval time. The access of remote renewable energy (RE) sources with high-capacity transmission is rendered possible with superior efficiency. That not only translates into further reducing CO2 emissions in a global energy mix that is still primarily based on fossils, but can also facilitate the development of RE sources given for instance the strong local opposition against the construction of new transmission lines. The socio-economic aspects of superconducting transmission lines based on the novel magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconductor and on high-temperature superconductors (HTS) are compared to state-of-the-art HVDC overhead lines and underground cables based on resistive conductors.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas, Heiko & Marian, Adela & Chervyakov, Alexander & Stückrad, Stefan & Salmieri, Delia & Rubbia, Carlo, 2016. "Superconducting transmission lines – Sustainable electric energy transfer with higher public acceptance?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 59-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:55:y:2016:i:c:p:59-72
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cullinane, M. & Judge, F. & O'Shea, M. & Thandayutham, K. & Murphy, J., 2022. "Subsea superconductors: The future of offshore renewable energy transmission?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Alassi, Abdulrahman & Bañales, Santiago & Ellabban, Omar & Adam, Grain & MacIver, Callum, 2019. "HVDC Transmission: Technology Review, Market Trends and Future Outlook," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 530-554.
    3. Kalair, A. & Abas, N. & Khan, N., 2016. "Comparative study of HVAC and HVDC transmission systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1653-1675.
    4. Chen, Xiaoyuan & Jiang, Shan & Chen, Yu & Zou, Zhice & Shen, Boyang & Lei, Yi & Zhang, Donghui & Zhang, Mingshun & Gou, Huayu, 2022. "Energy-saving superconducting power delivery from renewable energy source to a 100-MW-class data center," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    5. Brinkerink, Maarten & Gallachóir, Brian Ó & Deane, Paul, 2019. "A comprehensive review on the benefits and challenges of global power grids and intercontinental interconnectors," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 274-287.

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