According to a recent announcement by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), LS Cable (News - Alert) & System and American Superconductor Corporation, the world's longest distribution-voltage superconductor cable system has been energized at the I'cheon substation located near the city of Seoul. The 22.9 kV alternating current (AC) cable system, which is capable of carrying approximately 50 megawatts of power, is powered by AMSC's Amperium superconductor wire and installed in Korea Electric Power Company's (KEPCO) electricity grid.

This cable system is the result of the world's first large-scale commercial superconductor wire supply agreement signed between LS Cable & System and AMSC. Both the companies, along with KEPCO, have worked to develop world’s first cable that uses second generation (2G) superconductor wire to be energized in the grid. The cable is currently the longest distribution voltage superconductor power cable in operation.

AC superconductor power cable systems can conduct up to 10 times the amount of power of conventional cables made with copper wire, and can be placed strategically in urban power grids to deliver more power than conventional cables.

“The energizing of the I'cheon substation has great historical significance and demonstrates that Korean power electric technology is at a world-class level,” said Yup Heo, Executive Vice President of KEPCO's construction division, in a statement. “Based on the technology and the know-how from this installation, KEPCO will continue to develop transmission voltage superconductor power cables and is securing the world's top superconductor technology and market position.”

“Already over-taxed power grids around the world are being challenged to meet rising electricity demands associated with today's growing and increasingly networked economy. Because superconductor technology provides a reliable, cost-effective solution, we see it as a tremendous growth opportunity,” said LS Cable & System President Jong-ho Son. “Beginning with helping to fulfill KEPCO's vision and expanding into a global business, we plan to capitalize on superconductor technology to meet the growing power demands of Korea and the world.”

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell