TEPCO to utilize superconductive power transmission cable

A corroborative test recently begain at a Tokyo Electric Power Co. substation to send electricity to households through transmission lines made of superconductive materials, which have zero electrical resistance and can reduce power loss.

The test in Yokohama’s Tsurumi Ward is the first in Japan involving electric power relayed through superconducting transmission lines before reaching households.

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), TEPCO and other entities plan to jointly conduct the test over a one-year period. It involves a 240-meter superconductive section on the substation’s grounds.

The use of superconductive cables may halve the power loss per unit length compared with conventional transmission lines, even when the power needed to cool down the cables is taken into consideration, officials said.

The power transmission in the current test is enough to meet the needs of about 50,000 households.

The officials said they hope to develop technologies by 2020 to pave the way for commercialization.