High-voltage power cables plug into the future

The four dominant types of high-voltage transmission cable -paper insulated oil filled (OF), cross-linked polyethylene insulated, oil filled, gas insulated, and high-temperature superconducting - offer a variety of advantages, disadvantages, and potential for future development. So does an emerging technology, high-temperature superconducting cable. This article examines them all and assesses their position in the new world of high-voltage underground transmission.