110 kV SuperLink innovation and pilot project

The SuperLink is an important technological innovation including the development and test of an HTS (high temperature superconductor) cable system, demonstrating the potential of superconducting technology for optimized access to renewable energy in larger cities.

Growing populations drive an increasing demand for renewable electricity that strains the capacity of existing power grids, and large cities worldwide face a real challenge. The SuperLink project is an innovative solution using superconducting power cables which 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. While a conventional 110 kV cable can transmit in the range of 100 MW, the SuperLink cable starts at 500 MW. This means that a single cable trench or duct can replace five separate trenches or ducts.

Since October 2024, power is successfully 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 NKT, Stadtwerke München Infrastruktur, a subsidiary of the utility Stadtwerke München, and project partners THEVA, Linde, KIT and Univ. South Westphalia.

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.

*This work was supported in part by Bundesministerium Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK), German “Federal Ministry for Economy and Climate Action”, under Förderkennzeichen 03EN2036.