With the growing demand for electricity in urban areas, high-voltage overhead lines face significant challenges when trying to connect to densely populated power centers. As a result, underground cables have become a more viable solution. Among these, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) transmission cables stand out due to their exceptional efficiency and environmental benefits. These cables use liquid nitrogen as a coolant, allowing them to operate at superconducting temperatures while containing their magnetic fields within the cable structure, reducing electromagnetic interference and environmental impact. Additionally, they eliminate the risk of oil leaks and fires that are common with traditional cables.
According to international forecasts, HTS cables are expected to develop into a major industry by 2020. Major companies in countries like the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Italy, France, and Denmark are actively investing in research and development. Analysts estimate that the global market for superconducting applications could reach $244 billion by 2020, with HTS cables making up around 5% of this market. The cost of HTS cables has also become more competitive, thanks to the use of liquid nitrogen cooling, which brings their price closer to that of conventional cables, accelerating their adoption.
In China, the annual demand for cross-linked polyethylene insulated power cables rated at 10 kV and above is approximately 100,000 kilometers. If just 5% of this is replaced by HTS cables, the annual demand for HTS cables would reach 5,000 kilometers. Compared to regular cables, HTS cables offer significantly lower transmission losses—only 0.5% compared to 5–8% for traditional cables. They can carry 3 to 5 times more power, reduce energy loss by 60%, and take up much less space. Retrofitting existing systems with HTS cables could increase transmission capacity by over three times while cutting costs by 20%. This technology also enables low-voltage, high-current transmission, revolutionizing how electricity is delivered.
China has made significant progress in superconducting cable technology. On August 16th, a 765-meter-long CB superconducting cable conductor was successfully produced in Baiyin, marking a milestone in the ITER project. This project, known as the "artificial sun," aims to harness nuclear fusion for clean energy. China joined the ITER program in 2003 and is responsible for producing 70% of the required tube-mounted cable conductors.
In recent years, multiple countries have achieved breakthroughs in HTS cable projects, with several systems now operating on the grid. After more than two decades of research, "superconducting power transmission" is finally entering practical application, with commercial operations expected within five years.
In April, a 360-meter-long, 10,000-amp high-temperature superconducting DC cable was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology and put into operation in Henan Province. It is currently the world’s largest HTS cable and the first to achieve grid-connected demonstration. In July, Tianjin Superconducting Technology Application Company launched a project to build the country’s first second-generation lanthanide HTS cable line. Meanwhile, Japan's Nippon Rail Research conducted successful superconducting transmission tests, with plans to replace aging metal cables with HTS cables by 2020.
Experts believe that while challenges remain, there are significant opportunities for China’s wire and cable industry. By focusing on integration, innovation, and technological advancement, the sector can gain economic benefits and move toward a more sustainable and competitive future, eliminating unhealthy competition and paving the way for long-term success.
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