SupraMarine Consortium to develop superconducting power link
European partners launch a $8.4 M project to connect distant offshore wind farms to land using a high-temperature superconducting system.
Image for illustrative purposes
France, Paris: A consortium of five leading European organisations – Air Liquide, CentraleSupélec, ITP Interpipe, Nexans, and RTE – has announced the launch of SupraMarine, an innovation project aimed at developing a superconducting power transmission system to connect offshore wind farms located far from shore.
The project focuses on designing and testing a High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) superconducting demonstrator cooled by liquid nitrogen, enabling electricity transport with near-zero energy loss. The technology could significantly improve the efficiency and competitiveness of offshore wind power compared to traditional direct current (DC) systems.
SupraMarine will serve as a milestone toward developing a subsea superconducting grid, supporting Europe’s energy transition while reducing dependency on imported electronic components. The system will also source most of its materials within Europe, reinforcing regional supply chain resilience.
Each partner brings specific expertise: Air Liquide will supply cryogenic systems using its Turbo-Brayton technology; CentraleSupélec will contribute research through the GeePs laboratory; ITP Interpipe will design the insulated Pipe-in-Pipe cryostat; Nexans will develop the superconducting cables, junctions, and terminations; and RTE will ensure the system aligns with grid operation requirements.
Testing of the demonstrator is planned for 2028, supported by a $8.4 M (€7.3 M) grant under the France 2030 programme, operated by ADEME.
The SupraMarine project represents a major step in advancing superconducting transmission for offshore renewable energy, strengthening Europe’s technological and industrial leadership in the clean energy transition.
Source: Air Liquide
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