Superconducting wires have reached performance levels suitable for high-current cables, and research on superconducting cables, including technology validation, has laid the ground for final development steps of the technology. At the same time, an increasing number of prospective renewable energy generation sites are in remote areas with the need of high-power transmission to existing electricity grids at low cost.
SCARLET takes the important step of developing superconducting cables, utilizing their benefits by operation under DC conditions, at high currents and medium voltages, perfectly suited for transmission of electric energy from many renewable energy generation sites. A key feature is the medium-voltage operation, enabled by the high-current capability of superconductors, which eliminates costly high-voltage converter stations, thereby allowing for significant overall cost reductions. Additionally, the energy losses, the footprint, and the environmental impact of the cables are much lower than in their conventional counterparts. The SCARLET superconducting cables will be industrially manufactured in processes prepared for multi-kilometre lengths, and will be demonstrated, including undergoing cable type tests.
The exploitation will start during the project to raise awareness of the benefits of superconducting cable systems among industrial customers, while also preparing the ground for a standardisation framework. The market penetration will be driven by cost reductions (offshore applications), environmental protection in pristine areas (onshore), and synergies between electricity and LH2 transport (new application area).
The technical report has been updated after comments from The Commission
