Cool currents: superconductors' evolution for power transmission

Researchers and engineers toil at discovering new solutions and technologies that could make the recent northeastern U.S blackout a rare occasion in the future. One of the prominent technologies that has captured a great deal of attention is superconducting power cable. Studies by major corporations and organizations have concluded that major investments in the power grid in the United States will be necessary to meet the need for reliable and affordable electric power and that HTS cables could lay a significant role in meeting this need. It is apparent that HTS technology will progressively set the stage for applications in large markets where cost as well as size, weight, efficiency and performance are important.