Superconducting links for very high power transmission based on MgB 2 wires

This paper presents the main technological achievements of the first 3-gigawatt-class HVDC superconducting cable system, which was manufactured and successfully tested in the European project Best Paths. The technical focus is set on the cable conductor, the electrical insulation, and the high-voltage terminations. Furthermore, the implementation challenges of long-length systems are briefly outlined, along with environmental benefits and next steps for this new technology.