SuperNode has responded to the UK Government Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s consultation ‘Planning for new energy infrastructure: revisions to National Policy Statements.
The key point in SuperNode’s response is to challenge the starting presumption for overhead lines for new electricity network developments. There should be no starting presumption for any technology over another. It is important to maintain technology neutrality and undertake comprehensive evaluations to ensure the most suitable technology is deployed.
While overhead lines have historically been a prevalent choice for electricity networks, it is important to remain open to alternative options such as underground cables, subsea cables, or emerging technologies that may offer improved performance, greater public acceptance, reduced environmental impact, lower system cost, or enhanced resilience.
SuperNode’s superconducting transmission cables are one such emerging technology that will offer huge benefits when compared to conventional cable technology. Superconducting cables can transfer bulk power with reduced losses, cost and footprint and will be commercial available this decade.
The suitability of the technology should be assessed based on its merits and the best available evidence rather than predetermined assumptions.
You can find SuperNode’s full response here: Planning for new energy infrastructure: revisions to National Policy Statements