Superconductors are important to meeting the nation's energy needs in the future because they have virtually no resistance to electric current, offering the possibility of new electric power equipment with more energy efficiency and higher capacity than today's systems. Superconductivity technology may help reduce the need for new electric power generation during the next three decades.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory initiated research in high-temperature (20 K up to 135 K) superconductivity in 1988, soon after its discovery in 1986.

For more information on ORNL's High-Temperature Superconductivity Technology Center:

• ORNL's Superconductivity for Electric Systems web site

Related links:

• ORNL's Applied Superconductivity Group
• DOE's Electric Distribution Program
• DOE's Superconductivity Program