Large-scale applications of superconductors
Author: Ainslie, Mark
Affiliation: King's College London
Type: Plenary Talk
Date and Time: 22.07.2026, 08:45 - 09:30
More than a century after its discovery, many of the original aspirations of superconductivity are now being realised. By enabling the generation of extremely high magnetic fields, highly efficient electrical systems, and compact, high-performance devices, superconductors offer performance levels that are either significantly superior to, or impractical to achieve with, conventional technologies. This lecture will provide a broad overview of established and emerging large-scale applications of superconductivity. Following a brief historical perspective, it will examine how advances in superconducting materials and engineering have enabled technologies ranging from high-field magnets for scientific research and healthcare to fusion energy systems, electric power technologies, superconducting rotating machines, and bulk superconducting magnet systems. Selected case studies, including large-scale demonstration projects and commercial systems, will be presented to illustrate both the opportunities and the pathways towards wider deployment of superconducting technologies to address global challenges in scientific discovery, healthcare, sustainable energy, and transportation.