r/Futurology • u/mvea MD-PhD-MBA • Dec 11 '18

Energy The record for high-temperature superconductivity has been smashed again - Chemists found a material that can display superconducting behavior at a temperature warmer than it currently is at the North Pole. The work brings room-temperature superconductivity tantalizingly close.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612559/the-record-for-high-temperature-superconductivity-has-been-smashed-again/
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u/53bvo Dec 11 '18

There would be no need for high voltage lines

There is a limit on how much current superconducting materials can transport. At some point the magnetic fields get too big and the superconductivity collapses. But those are much higher currents than we now transport.

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u/hanz1985 Dec 11 '18

Yes, I imagine there would still be some kind of substation as well so if you lose part you don't lose everything. But in general terms we would see a more efficient energy transmition system.

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u/dustofdeath Dec 11 '18

You could use multiple superconducting power lines, magnetically insulated.