SCOHL

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 April 2023

01 July 2023

3 months

£153,846

Power

London

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

This project aims to assess the potential for implementing novel high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technology on National Grids overhead line (OHL) assets. Meeting Net Zero goals requires 21.7 billion for 94 onshore network reinforcement projects by 2030, with additional build-out by 2050 (NOA 2021/22 Refresh). However, the required pace of network expansion is unprecedented and regulatory processes and public resistance can slow deployment, especially for new OHL routes which have high visual impact. Overhead superconducting technology could improve system robustness by increasing the power transfer capability of existing transmission corridors, reducing network constraints and allowing for significantly increased flexibility in our energy mix and ability to meet demand from all available generation sources. The ability to rebuild or add lines within existing corridors and transmit more power in smaller corridors shortens the time to construct and energize new transmission capacity. Expediting the upgrading and expansion of the network in this way offers greater certainty about connection timeframes and development costs and quickens our ability to cut carbon emissions through the ability to connect more renewable generation and limit its curtailment due to network constraints. The resulting guarantee of the unconstrained availability of generated power significantly increases network resilience and robustness. SCOHLs are currently at TRL 4 as the novel cryogenic cooling system with superconducting conductors have been operated as a raised overhead system in a lab environment and detailed simulation models of the system and its components have been verified. A SIF-funded project provides an opportunity to increase this TRL; in the discovery phase, an appropriate methodology for increasing the TRL will be developed through scanning for potential applications on NGETs assets, investigating technical limitations and financial benefits and identifying an adoption into BAU roadmap. The alpha and beta phases will subsequently progress towards to use of prototype demonstrators at live testing sites. Project partners:*National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) as a transmission network owner and transmission licensee with access to required testing facilities and OHL assets*VEIR as the developers of the cooling technology that will enable SCOHL rollout*University of Strathclyde as experts in power system analysis HTS-enabled SCOHLs could be used by TNOs and DNOs across GB and potentially beyond. This project will identify the specific benefits and abilities of SCOHLs, where they can be used successfully, and their operational limitations so that users can be guided on the optimal route for adoption into BAU.

09/04/25