NKT powers up test system for the world’s longest superconducting power cable

With the switch turned on, power is now running through the superconducting power cable test system as part of the development of the 110 kV SuperLink – the world’s longest superconducting power cable. This milestone has been achieved through an innovative design process, continuous testing, and strong collaboration between project owner Stadtwerke München Infrastruktur, a subsidiary of the utility Stadtwerke München, and project partners, with NKT developing the innovative solution.

- The SuperLink project represents true innovation, where we are exploring new, exciting frontiers to leverage the potential of superconducting power cable technology at unprecedented voltage levels. We appreciate the collaboration with Stadtwerke München Infrastruktur and the other partners leading to the inauguration of the test system. This is an important pilot project demonstrating the potential of superconducting technology for optimized access to renewable energy in larger cities such as Munich, says Anders Jensen, Chief Technology Officer at NKT.

SuperLink is a forward-looking project, and once the ongoing tests are completed and the project is tendered, it is expected to become a 15-kilometer underground power link, making it the longest superconducting power cable solution globally.

With 1.5 million residents, Munich is an ideal city to develop and live-test the possibilities of superconducting power cables for expanding power grids in urban areas. Large cities worldwide face similar challenges, with growing populations driving an increasing demand for renewable electricity, which strains the capacity of existing power grids.

- We plan to construct a 15-kilometre high-voltage line between the main substation in Menzing and the southern energy site in Sendling. This innovative line will enhance the sustainability and climate-friendliness of SWM Infrastruktur’s power grid. Moreover, it will contribute to making power grids more efficient, stable, and climate-friendly beyond Munich’s city limits, says Helge-Uve Braun, Technical Managing Director in Stadtwerke München

SuperLink is customized to the needs of Stadtwerke München Infrastruktur, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the viability of the technology in addressing increasing grid congestion driven by urbanization, increased electrification, and more renewable energy entering the energy mix. Superconducting power cables are extremely compact compared to conventional cable technology and can become a key enabler of the transition to renewable energy in urban areas due to their high power-to-size ratio.

SuperLink is an innovative superconducting power cable system designed for power-dense transmission, enabling the transfer of large amounts of electric power through a compact cable design.