Superconductors Power a New Era for Europe’s Cities

Germany and France test superconducting cables as cities hunt for more power without more digging

4 Feb 2025

Europe’s electricity grid is beginning to adopt superconducting technology as utilities search for ways to expand urban power capacity without major construction work.

High-temperature superconducting cables, long confined to research projects, are now being tested in live city networks. The appeal lies in their ability to carry much higher currents than conventional cables while occupying far less space and losing little energy, a growing advantage in dense urban areas.

Germany and France are among the early adopters. In Munich, the SuperLink project inaugurated a superconducting test system in October 2024, aiming to show how compact, high-capacity cables can be integrated into an existing city grid. Project partners say the system can deliver large volumes of power with minimal surface disruption, avoiding the need to widen cable corridors or rebuild substations.

France is pursuing similar trials, reflecting wider interest among European grid operators facing rising demand from electric vehicles, data centres and electric heating. Italy is also involved through the SCARLET project, led by ASG Superconductors and research body RSE, which is working to validate superconducting cable systems for commercial use.

The push has gained institutional backing. CurrENT, a European association focused on power grid technologies, published updated guidance on high-temperature superconductors in February 2025, urging planners to consider the technology when upgrading constrained urban networks. In its recommendations, the group argues that superconductors can help cities expand capacity where conventional cables are no longer practical.

Despite their promise, superconducting systems remain more expensive than standard alternatives and require specialised cooling to maintain low operating temperatures. However, developers say costs are falling as manufacturing scales up and operational experience grows from pilot schemes.

Grid operators also see a strategic dimension. Cities competing to host energy-intensive industries, such as data processing and advanced manufacturing, increasingly view grid capacity as an economic asset. A more compact and efficient network could help meet climate targets while supporting growth.

For now, most projects remain at the demonstration stage. Utilities say broader deployment will depend on performance data and regulatory support. But with urban grids under pressure across Europe, superconductors are moving from experimental option to a serious contender for the next phase of electricity infrastructure.