The German grid operator LEW Verteilnetz and SuperNode, the Irish developer of the next generation of superconducting cable systems, have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on identifying potential pilot projects.
LEW provides electricity to one million customers connected to its grid in Bavaria. More than 90 pct. of its power is from renewables, including 2 GW of solar power from more than 90,000 individual systems. It is the ambition of LEW to triple its renewable generation to more than 7 GW before 2030.
Today’s agreement between LEW and SuperNode is intended to identify possible use cases for superconducting cable technology throughout LEW’s grid and to explore options for testing forward-looking concepts in practice to the benefit of LEW customers.
SuperNode CEO John Fitzgerald said:
“I am delighted for SuperNode to enter this cooperation agreement. LEW is a very proactive system operator, determined to explore innovative technology solutions, such as superconducting cable technology, to prepare for its future acceleration of renewable energy”.
LEW Head of Asset Management Marco Wagler said:
“With the transformation of our energy system in full swing, it is even more important to find innovative and effective solutions. We are therefore very much looking forward to working with SuperNode to explore the potential for superconductors in our grid area.”.
ENDS
About LEW
The LEW Group operates as a regional energy supplier in south-west Bavaria and employs around 2,000 people. LEW supplies private, commercial, and business customers as well as municipalities with electricity and offers a wide range of energy solutions. The LEW Group operates the regional power distribution grid and is one of the leading producers of environmentally friendly energy from hydropower in Bavaria with 36 operational hydropower plants. LEW also generates electricity with its own photovoltaic installations in open spaces and on buildings. In addition, LEW offers products and services in the areas of grid and plant construction, energy generation, electromobility and telecommunications. The LEW Group operates its own fibre optic network, which is over 7,000 kilometres long.
About SuperNode:
SuperNode specialises in the development of innovative Superconducting subsea and terrestrial cables, harnessing the unique characteristics of superconductive materials. Superconducting cables are capable of transferring very large amounts of power efficiently over long distances. Superconducting cables can operate at higher currents and therefore lower voltage levels than conventional copper-based cable technology, meaning they require significantly less infrastructure, materials and space and have a smaller environmental and visual footprint.
Contacts:
LEW: Philipp Rosskopf, Media Spokesperson
+49 821 3281664 – philipp.rosskopf@lew.de
SuperNode Ltd: Christian Kjaer, Chief Public Affairs Officer
+45 9360 2023 – christian.kjaer@supernode.energy