SuperNode is delighted to announce its participation in a National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET)-led Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Alpha Round 3 competition project. The project, titled “Assessment of Superconducting Technologies for Standards Development,” will focus on addressing the technical challenges in deploying high-temperature superconducting (HTS) systems.
It will identify what standards for HTS direct current (DC) cables and HTS overhead lines (OHL) exist today and what standards need to be developed, before creating a roadmap to bridge the gap.
The project will examine the potential of the technology for future use by UK transmission system operators and their grid planning teams, as a way to increase network capacity. This project is funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK.
SuperNode CEO John Fitzgerald said:
“This project marks an important step for the advancement of superconducting technologies, which hold the potential to revolutionise power transfer and grid capacity expansion. One of the biggest challenges for introducing new technologies into highly regulated industries is the need for clear technical standards, and this initiative aims to bridge that gap. We are excited to collaborate with National Grid and other key partners to explore the operational requirements and technical risks of superconducting technology, and the next steps for overcoming these barriers for use on the grid”.
Sean Coleman, Strategic Innovation Fund Manager at NGET, said:
“We’re pleased to be working with SuperNode and other partners on this exciting innovation project to explore the potential of superconducting technologies.
“Innovating and collaborating through initiatives like this can help us make strides towards our decarbonisation goals and delivering the UK’s ambition for a net zero energy system.”
Why is this project needed?
The UK’s Future Energy Scenarios dictate a pressing need for significant network reinforcements and developing a high-capacity grid designed for growth. These scenarios encompass the electrification of many sectors, including heating, transport, and industry, balanced with solar, wind, and battery storage targets. All of these require considerable grid infrastructure upgrades. The power density advantages of superconductors could play a crucial role in minimising the visual and environmental impacts of these necessary reinforcements. Hence, it is vital that superconducting technology is developed and standardised to allow integration into future grid strategies.
Project Partners
The project will benefit from the expertise and contributions of several key partners:
- National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET): As the transmission network owner and licensee, NGET will lead the project, providing strategic direction, expertise on the transmission network in England and Wales, access to asset data, and facilitating testing and prototype demonstrations. NGET may also offer access to the Deeside Centre for Innovation, where testing can be conducted.
- SuperNode: As developers of High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cable technology, SuperNode will offer expertise in DC cable systems, providing key insights into operational requirements.
- VEIR: Specialising in alternating current (AC) HTS technology, VEIR will contribute insights on the requirements for AC HTS overhead line systems.
- The University of Strathclyde: With a focus on power system analysis and thermal modelling, Strathclyde will concentrate on the deployment needs of HTS systems in the GB grid.
- The University of Manchester: With expertise in electrical systems standards, Manchester will lead the review of current standards, identifying gaps and proposing pathways for HTS technology adoption.
- Frazer-Nash Consultancy: Experts in systems engineering and technology roadmapping. They will project manage the Alpha Phase and will carry out the required systems engineering to aid delivery of the WPs (detailed later in Q9).
About the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
The Strategic Innovation Fund, led by Ofgem and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, supports projects aimed at accelerating the transition to net zero. These projects deliver real net benefits to network companies, energy users, and consumers, while helping to establish the UK as a global energy hub. The fund also collaborates with other public innovation funders to ensure that activities funded by energy users and consumers are aligned with those supported by the Government.