Congress, utilities reconsider energy storage technology
Developed initially for military applications, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) technology largely has been abandoned by its Department of Defense sponsors in the past several years. However, interest in the technology now appears to be on the rise, with both Congress and the electric utility industry taking another look at SMES. Among the most promising signs for SMES: Congress appropriated $20 million for the technology in 1993, adding to an unspent backlog of $40 million in 1992 funds. In addition, the electric utility industry's renewed interest has prompted the Department of Energy to take another look at the technology. To date the SMES program has been administered by several DOD agencies. The use of a giant coil of superconducting magnets cooled with liquid helium was first pursued as an energy storage system for ground-based lasers being developed under the Strategic Defense Initiative. DOD's interest waned when the ground-based laser system was terminated. However, Congress has insisted that the department maintain the program even though DOD has sought to shut it down, claiming there was no longer a defense mission.
- OSTI ID:
- 7024076
- Journal Information:
- Energy Daily; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Daily; (United States) Vol. 20:229; ISSN 0364-5274; ISSN ENDADJ
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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