New York, NY – Consolidated Edison, Inc and American Superconductor Corporation have agreed to put a superconducting power line under midtown New York that should lead to a sturdier power grid able to withstand extreme weather and attacks. Department of Homeland Security will fund up to $25 million for the nearly $40 million superconductor cable
The cable will link two substations in Manhattan. The department said the project could lead to further deployment of the technology which also suppresses power surges.
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We have asked AMSC and Con Ed to demonstrate superconductor solutions in New York City that will serve to keep our centers of commerce on line under all conditions – including grid events related to severe weather, accidents or terrorist attacks,” Jay Cohen, the Department of Homeland Security’s undersecretary for technology, said in a statement on Monday.
High temperature superconducting cables made with ceramic materials can carry 10 times more power than traditional cables, but are costly and face technological challenges. [Reuters]