Streamlining Overhead Superconducting Power Lines

US startup Veir is revolutionizing the power transmission industry with its groundbreaking overhead superconducting power lines. These innovative lines have the capacity to carry up to 400MW of power while requiring less complex cooling systems compared to traditional transmission lines.

The Veir overhead power line utilizes a superconducting cable and a proprietary cooling system that enables an initial transmission capacity of up to 400MW at 69kV. Future versions of the technology are expected to support transmission of several gigawatts. These lines are designed to transport five to 10 times more power than conventional transmission lines, all within the same footprint and voltage level.

One of the key advantages of Veir's technology is its potential to overcome regulatory hurdles and community opposition that have hindered the expansion of transmission capacity in various regions, particularly in the US and Europe. As new power distribution systems become essential for the transition to renewable energy and grid resilience, Veir's solution offers a promising way forward.

Veir has already garnered interest from a diverse range of customers, including utilities, data center operators, industrial companies, and renewable energy developers. The company is on track to complete its first commercial-scale pilot project for high-power transmission by 2026, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of superconducting cable technology.

According to Tim Heidel, CEO and co-founder of Veir, the ability to deploy higher power levels at lower voltages is a game-changer. This approach not only minimizes the visual impact and footprint of the infrastructure but also helps mitigate public opposition and permitting challenges that often plague traditional transmission projects.

Heidel, who previously worked at prestigious institutions such as MIT and the Department of Energy, emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions in power grid expansion. With the demand for decarbonization driving the push for larger and more efficient grids, Veir's superconducting cable project represents a significant step towards meeting these ambitious goals.

Veir's transmission lines leverage high-temperature superconducting tapes and cutting-edge materials, with inspiration drawn from advancements in the nuclear fusion industry. The core innovation lies in the cooling system developed by co-founder and advisor Steve Ashworth, which optimizes the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the technology.

Unlike previous generations of superconducting cable power lines that relied on complex cooling systems, Veir's open-loop, passive nitrogen cooling system offers superior cooling power and capacity. This innovation not only reduces complexity and weight but also enhances the overall performance of the superconducting power lines, setting a new standard in the industry.

Veir's commitment to sustainability and efficiency is evident in its design approach, which aims to minimize the visual impact and land requirements of high-power transmission infrastructure. By offering a more streamlined and cost-effective solution, Veir is poised to transform the future of power transmission on a global scale.