DOE Engages Universities to Help Solve Challenges of Developing Next Generation of High Temperature Superconducting Wire

6/5/2003

From: Tom Welch of the Department of Energy, 202-586-5806

WASHINGTON, June 5 -- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today announced the selection of proposals from seven U.S. universities with world-class expertise in the field of high temperature superconductivity (HTS) research to augment existing efforts in developing HTS electric wires. The proposals were selected based on their technical merits and their expected contribution toward advancing the Energy Department's strategic HTS technology objectives. After award completion, the universities will share $1 million in funding for the first increment of these multi-year cooperative agreements.

"The advanced technology developed for the next generation of HTS wires is expected to play an important role in relieving congestion on electric transmission and distribution systems, reducing consumption, and increasing energy supplies during periods of peak demand, while reducing environmental emissions, including greenhouse gases," Secretary Abraham said.

Superconductivity is the ability of certain materials to carry large electrical current without the resistance losses of conventional conductors such as copper. HTS can be used in electric power devices such as motors and generators, in medical diagnostic technology, and for electricity transmission in power lines. Superconducting power equipment typically will be half the size and have half the energy losses compared to conventional equipment.

The seven universities selected are: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, University of Missouri at Rolla, Stanford University, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of Houston, and University at Albany (SUNY).