Next generation superconducting technology
Long-Range High-Capacity Transmission
Our cable can carry 5-10x more energy in a single line than conventional electricity transmission technology.
Rapid Deployment and Integration
Our technology allows for quicker installation and integration, reducing the time needed to enhance grid capacity.
Cost-Effective and Scalable
SuperNode’s scalable design and advanced materials minimise costs and support large-scale power solutions.
What is Superconductivity?
Superconductivity is a phenomenon whereby materials exhibit zero resistance when cooled below their critical temperature – enabling them to transmit power with zero losses.
First discovered in 1911, superconductivity initially relied on low-temperature superconductors (LTS), which require expensive liquid helium cooling. These early breakthroughs enabled technologies like MRI machines but faced limitations due to cost and practicality.
The discovery of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) in 1986 was a significant advancement. HTS materials remain superconductive at -180°C and can be cooled using affordable liquid nitrogen. This broadened their applications, including use in CERN’s Large Hadron Collider and the first superconducting cable in 2001.
Superconducting Cables
When cooled down to -180 with liquid nitrogen, superconducting cables experience no electrical resistance. This lack of resistance allows superconducting cables to be power-dense, enabling reduced voltage and increased power capacity. This makes them more powerful than traditional copper cables.
First generation superconducting cables have previously been deployed, addressing urban congestion challenges in cities such as Essen and Chicago.
Technology Innovations
Superconducting cable technology is mature to TRL 9 for first generation distribution applications. SuperNode is developing the next generation of superconducting technology to efficiently transfer high amounts of power over long distances, within cities, and for industrial applications.
SuperNode is working on improving three key technical areas; novel cryostat materials, optimal thermal management, and scale manufacture.
World first in superconducting cables
The world’s first superconducting electricity cable system, using a polymeric cryostat has been demonstrated by SuperNode Ltd.
In June 2025, we successfully applied 5 kA direct current (DC) to a 30 metre long superconducting cable, equivalent to 500 MW at 50 kV.
5 kA – or 5,000 amps – is a massive amount of electrical current. For comparison, the typical charging range of electric vehicle chargers is 16 to 80 amps. Lightning strikes deliver about 30 kA.
Our Facilities
In 2021, we opened the European Cryogenic Centre for Superconductors (ECCS) based in Dublin. This is a 1,400m² state-of-the-art facility designed for the production of prototypes and development samples.
In 2024, the SuperNode Cable Technology Centre opened in Blyth. This is a 1,800m² state-of-the-art facility for the production of reeled cables for qualification, demonstration and pilot projects.
CERN Partnership
In 2023, SuperNode and CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, started a collaboration to develop a novel insulation for superconducting cables, in an effort to improve energy transmission and accelerate the renewable energy transition.
