Subsea superconducting transmission cables were shown to offer greater economic benefits to the energy system than conventional high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) copper technology in a 2050 offshore grid. The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, UK, and SuperNode, Ireland, have conducted technical and techno-economic studies analysing the potential benefits of high-temperature superconductor subsea transmission cables.
This study as well as previous work shows that superconductor cable systems are not only competitive with conventional copper-based cables but can also offer greater benefits and cost savings throughout the lifespan of a meshed offshore grid. This study should make the case to policy makers that innovative, higher capacity cables can be an enabling technology in the energy transition.
Read more about these studies in Volume 18 Issue 5 of WindTech International.
By Maria O’Neill, Technology Analyst SuperNode